US PGA champion Collin Morikawa to tee up in Dubai Desert Classic

Collin Morikawa, the US PGA champion, is relishing the chance to go head-to-head with some of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars in next month’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Collin Morikawa, pictured with Scotland's Connor Syme during the second round of last week's DP World Tour Championship, is returning to Dubai next month for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

The Californian, who made his major breakthrough along with Bryson DeChambeau in 2020, will be making his debut on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club in the second event of the new European Tour season on 28-31 January.

Morikawa’s rivals for iconic Dallah Trophy, lifted by both Colin Montgomerie and Stephen Gallaher in the past, will include Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and Tyrrell Hatton.

They were all part of Europe’s winning team for the 2018 Ryder Cup in France and will now be hoping to help defend the trophy at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin next September.

Morikawa, who is currently in one of the six automatic spots for the US team on the back of his big win at Harding Park in San Francisco in August, is excited about his first appearance in an event dubbed the ‘Major of the Middle East’.

“When you look back at some of the players who have won the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, you realise that it is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world and I’m looking forward to trying to add my name to the roll of honour,” said the 23-year-old, who made his first appearance on the European Tour in last week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

“I’ve been told that the Majlis course is a fantastic setting and I can’t wait to get there and see it for myself.

“This year has been a memorable one for me on the golf course and I’m excited to see what 2021 has in store.”

Garcia, the 2017 winner, will be playing in the event for the 12th time, but it will a welcome first appearance from Rose since 2009.

In line with international Covid-19 protocols, the tournament - the longest-running event on the schedule outside Europe - will take place within a safe bio-secure environment to ensure the safety of all those involved.

Attendance at the event is for invited guests only but the action will be beamed to a worldwide audience.

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