Fowler relishing return to Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

Top Stories

Fowler relishing return to Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
Rickie Fowler of the United States tees off on the 8th hole during round four of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 24, 2016. (File)

Abu Dhabi - The six-time worldwide winner has returned to the Capital to make his third appearance

By KT Report

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Tue 17 Jan 2017, 9:18 PM

Last updated: Tue 17 Jan 2017, 11:23 PM

Defending champion Rickie Fowler is looking forward to a stern test at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, as he prepares for his opening tournament ahead of what he believes could be a special year in golf.
The six-time worldwide winner has returned to the Capital to make his third appearance in the European Tour's 'Desert Swing' opener, as part of a 126-man field brimming with the world's best golfers, including compatriot and World. No 3 Dustin Johnson and World No 4 and Open Champion Henrik Stenson.
After capturing the Falcon Trophy in 2016, Fowler endured a season of mixed results on tour, but with an Olympic appearance and Ryder Cup victory under his belt, the 28-year-old is relishing the chance to tee it up once again at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
"It's definitely nice to be back," said Fowler. "I had a few good tournaments after this last year, but individually I didn't play as well as I would have liked to. It was definitely nice to get the win here to kick off the year.
"2016 was still a great year with getting to play in the Olympics, the World Cup and finally being part of a winning Ryder Cup Team. The Europeans have been able to enjoy that so it was nice to have that time to celebrate with the boys. I'm excited to be back. I definitely have some great memories here and (I'm) looking forward to making some more."
Despite Rory McIlroy's withdrawal from the Championship due to a rib injury, Fowler still believes he will be in for a tough test in his pursuit of a second Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title.
"You know, it's one less top player in the world I'm going to have to beat," stated Fowler. "The field here is one of the best fields on The European Tour. A lot of the top players in the world and three of the major champions from last year are here. It's not going to be any easier to win."
And the American, who has chosen Abu Dhabi as his first destination this year, is looking forward to a special season on tour as the game's strength continues to deepen on both sides of the Atlantic.
He said: "This year's going to be fun. Rory is playing well. He just needs to make sure he's healthy and good to go. I know he's doing everything right for that.
"Tiger's playing next week and then coming over here to play in Dubai - it was nice to see him play well in the Bahamas. I'm excited to see him come back and be competitive. I know he's itching to play as much as possible."
 


More news from