Haetten "I Like the Middle East"... 'Number 4' Morikawa Joins

Omega aims for 2nd consecutive win at Dubai Desert Classic, Fitzpatrick, Fleetwood, Westwood, Garcia in 'title race'

Tyrell Hatton challenges for his second consecutive win at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I like the Middle East."

‘Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship champ’ Tyrrell Hatton (England) is on a two-win streak. On the afternoon of the 28th (Korean time), the European Tour Omega Dubai Desert Classic (total prize money $3.25 million) opens at the Emirates Golf Club (par 72, 7,364 yards) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Riding the momentum from a 4-stroke victory at the ‘Rolex Series Round 1’ Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship that ended on the night of the 24th.

Hatton is the first player in history to successfully defend his title consecutively at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2016 and 2017. He is particularly strong in ‘high-profile matches’ such as the Italian Open in October 2017 and the Turkish Airlines Open in November 2019. In 2017, he expanded his domain to the PGA Tour and claimed the top spot at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last March. He is also performing strongly in the 2021 season, including a tie for 7th at the Houston Open and a tie for 3rd at the CJ Cup.

At the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he started the final day in 2nd place, one stroke behind, and surged with a 6-under-par round to clinch a thrilling come-from-behind victory. It was his first win of the season and his 6th career victory, coming three months after the BMW PGA Championship in October last year, with a winner’s prize of $1,186,000 (1.311 billion KRW). The spotlight was even brighter as he faced Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) in the champion group. This victory propelled him to 5th in the world rankings.

Above all, his ‘three essentials’?driver, irons, and putter?stood out. On the final day, his average driving distance was 307.50 yards, greens in regulation rate was 77.80%, and putts per hole were 1.70. His scrambling ability to save par in crisis situations was a perfect 100%. He is currently preparing for the Ryder Cup, the intercontinental golf competition between the United States and Europe, scheduled for September. "My biggest goal this year is to participate in the Ryder Cup," he said, "and I will accumulate more points in this tournament."

'Number 4' Collin Morikawa will compete in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

World No. 4 Collin Morikawa (USA) is a dark horse. He is an emerging powerhouse with three PGA Tour wins, including last year’s major PGA Championship. His form is good, having finished tied for 7th at both the Sentry Tournament and the Sony Open this month. Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, and Lee Westwood (all from England) have joined the field, while Sergio Garcia (Spain) and Justin Rose (England) are also looking for opportunities.