European Tour: Rory McIlroy returns to action in Abu Dhabi
Thursday 15 January 2015 07:51, UK
Rory McIlroy makes his return to competitive golf this weekend at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
The world No 1 only returned to the driving range last week after a month away from the sport but heads to the first of the Desert Swing tournaments looking to follow on from an impressive 2014.
Three-time winner Martin Kaymer and defending champion Pablo Larrazabal are also among the high-profile field, in what can often be a tricky tourmament so early in the year .
The dense rough at the Abu Dhabi GC caused several players problems last year - with Sergio Garcia branding it ‘dangerous’ after injuring a shoulder - and is set to test players again this weekend.
“We are providing a very thick, very uniformed and dense rough,” said Andrew Whittaker, Director of Agronomy at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“Not quite to the same lengths as last year, however it’s still going to create one hell of a challenge if you do get into this stuff.
“Anything with a long iron into the green is going to be tough.”
Watch the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship this Thursday from 5.30am live on Sky Sports 4 HD – your home of Golf.
