Tommy Fleetwood has a knack for making a splash on UAE soil, and this week, he’s aiming to leave another mark on the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The Englishman, who’s never missed a single edition since earning his stripes on the European Challenge Tour in 2011, is back for his 14th consecutive tilt at the Dallah Trophy.
In a tournament celebrating its 35th edition, Fleetwood wants nothing more than to join its roll of honour and add yet another sparkling achievement to his résumé.
He already owns a pair of Rolex Series titles, plus an enviable list of UAE highlights: a Dubai Invitational crown claimed just before this event last year, a recent Team Cup victory as part of Great Britain & Ireland, and—let’s not forget—two individual triumphs in Abu Dhabi.
Now, Fleetwood’s laser-focused on emerging victorious over a star-studded field, hoping to prove why he’s one of the most captivating contenders at Emirates Golf Club.
Tommy Fleetwood: “I love the look of the trophy for this tournament. I’ve played it every year since my first year on tour. I always love coming back here. I absolutely love the golf course. I just haven’t managed to put myself in a position to contend for this tournament yet but I will continue to try.
“I think everybody loves this time of year here. I think everybody starts out feeling fresh, with a really positive attitude.
“I think the course is great and I think Dubai as a city, everybody just loves coming back and they just feel very familiar with the place because it’s played such a role over the years in tour life.
“I don’t think I’ve been far away. I think my game has actually held up pretty well most of the time and I haven’t putted well enough around here. So I’ll be looking at that this week.
“Certain elements of this golf course are so important. I know it sounds daft a bit, but the dog-legs left on that back nine, I can definitely do a better job on those. I actually don’t hit those tee-shots as well as I would like to give myself the opportunities on what is the slightly scorable back nine.
“It’s a really strong driving golf course and you have to play the par fives very, very well. I don’t think I’ve been miles away. I just have to try and put it all together out here.”
Of course, he won’t have the spotlight all to himself. Spain’s own Jon Rahm, a two-time Major champion, is making his Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut, itching to add this title to his growing list of feats.
Rahm has thrice conquered Dubai’s season-ending championship, so he’s no stranger to the city’s allure—or to lifting trophies on the desert stage.
Jon Rahm: “It’s a tournament I’ve wanted to play. There’s a lot of history in this event. There’s a lot of great champions in this event. It’s very, very quality championship. Again, I love the city. I love coming here. Any chance I get to come to a tournament and play this event and come to the city, to me, it’s a good opportunity.
“I’ve only played the front nine. So I’m going to get to see the back nine today. So I can’t make a full assessment. But fantastic golf course. Obviously I’ve seen this event on TV many, many times. And, you know, the past schedule, I chose not to come for some of the events in California, right, because some events I played really good at and I really liked.
“You know, the way things have evolved in the last few years, I’m glad that I have this open to come and enjoy this great event.
Hopefully do as well as I have so far in Dubai. It’s a city that I love. It’s a city that is worth coming to, and it’s probably — the great vibe that I have when I come here, the reason I didn’t played so well. So I hope I can keep playing really well and win in Dubai.”
And defending champion Rory McIlroy—who’s clinched this prize four times—won’t be looking to give up his place quietly.
Two-time PGA TOUR winner Akshay Bhatia also made his maiden appearance at the longest-running event in the Middle East.
For the young American, it’s a dream come true. And if his drive to chase global opportunities is as strong as his game, we might see even more fireworks.
All signs point to a fascinating week in the desert. At centre stage, Tommy Fleetwood stands more determined than ever, hoping to write a new chapter in his continuing success story and secure that coveted spot on the Hero Dubai Desert Classic honour roll.
Grab your popcorn—this one promises to be a showstopper.
