Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: Tee Times and Key Groups
Rory McIlroy, Marco Penge, and Tyrrell Hatton have been paired for the first two rounds of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as they compete for the Harry Vardon Trophy. McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, arrives at Yas Links aiming for his seventh Race to Dubai title and fourth consecutive win. He currently leads the rankings, followed by Penge and Hatton.
However, both English players have a chance to surpass him this week thanks to increased points available. The trio will tee off together at 09:23 on Thursday.
Other Notable Groups
The Ryder Cup trio of Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, and Rasmus Højgaard will attract significant attention when they begin their rounds at 08:01. This will be 11 minutes after Jacob Skov Olesen, the sole Rolex Series rookie in the field, starts alongside Todd Clements and Brandon Robinson Thompson.
Adrien Saddier, enjoying a breakthrough season following a win at the Italian Open, will play with Ryder Cup champions Matt Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Åberg at 10:28.
Opening and Final Groups
Richard Sterne, the only participant to have also played in the inaugural 2006 event, will make the opening tee shot at 07:17, accompanied by Rafa Cabrera Bello and Mikael Lindberg.
The final group, consisting of Robert MacIntyre, Alex Noren, and Kristoffer Reitan, will start at 11:50.
"Rory McIlroy arrives looking for a seventh Race to Dubai crown and fourth in a row."
"Richard Sterne is the only player at this 20th edition to have played the first event in 2006."
For the complete round one and two draw, please refer to the official sources.
Author's summary: The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship features key contenders grouped for the opening rounds as top-ranked players aim for pivotal points in the DP World Tour Play-Offs.