Harrington set for Omega Dubai Desert Classic start to 2020

Pádraig Harrington

European Ryder Cup Captain Pádraig Harrington will join his predecessor Thomas Bjørn and two-time assistant captain Miguel Ángel Jiménez in the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic from January 23-26.

The trio of European Tour legends join an already star-studded field that features defending champion, Bryson DeChambeau, former winners Rafa Cabrera Bello, Sergio Garcia, Haotong Li, Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett and European stars Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Ian Poulter, Matt Wallace and Lee Westwood.

“The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic is one of our most iconic events and one I cannot wait to return to,” said Harrington, who finished in a tie for second alongside Tiger Woods at this event in 2001, two shots adrift of Bjorn.

“There is a lot of golf to be played between now and Whistling Straits and, in that time, I hope to play with everyone who is in contention for the team. I can think of no better place to do so than Emirates Golf Club, so I’m looking forward it.” 

Bjørn knows what it takes to triumph over Team USA, but with his experience in Paris behind him, 2020 provides a great opportunity for ‘The Great Dane’ to demonstrate how he earned that moniker.

“I always love coming back to Dubai and the Desert Classic has so many great memories for me,” said the 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain.

“To go toe-to-toe with Tiger and come out on top is not something many people can lay claim to, so it is a moment from my career that I will never forget. The Majlis Course is always in impeccable condition and it will be great to get out there again in January.”

England’s Mark James won the inaugural OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic in 1990 with 1991 winner Eamonn Darcy the lone Irish champion until Rory McIlroy clinched his first professional victory in the event in 2009

The roll of honour also features Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Colin Montgomerie and Woods, who won in 2006 and 2008.