Pieters became the first Belgian to win a Rolex Series event after outlasting a star-studded field in tough windy conditions at Yas Links, posting a level par 72 and a total of ten under, to earn him the coveted Falcon Trophy and a sixth win on the DP World Tour.
Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are proud to welcome the 2023 HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship to Yas Links after a successful debut earlier this year. We are delighted that this tournament has become so firmly established on the DP World Tour and the global golf calendar, and we are delighted to welcome back defending champion Thomas Pieters, and former winners Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry.
Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO of HSBC UAE and Head of International Markets, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship as it returns to Yas Island for the second consecutive year. Last year was a milestone for the tournament as it entered a new era, and as part of our commitment to supporting new visions and opportunities across the UAE, we look forward to bringing this fantastic sport to more people.
Tom Phillips, Head of the Middle East for the DP World Tour, added: “This prestigious Rolex Series event is always a great way to start the year and we are delighted to return to Yas Links for the 18th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC. Championship.”
Defending champion Pieters said: “I can’t wait to get back to Yas Island for the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship. Winning a Rolex Series event has given me a lot of confidence going into the 2022 season, knowing you can match it with the best in the world is huge, and it’s always a great feeling to come back as a champion in title in any tournament.
Fleetwood, a two-time winner in 2017 and 2018, said: “I have always enjoyed starting the year in Abu Dhabi at this prestigious tournament. I have based myself in the United Arab Emirates it is a brilliant part of the world and a place where I have been successful on the golf course so it will be nice to play in front of my family and friends to start my DP World Tour season . Yas Links was a new challenge and I can’t wait to return for the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship once again.
Lowry, winner in 2019, said: “Coming back as a former champion is always nice and Yas Island is a world-class sporting destination, plus you add incredible fans, and it creates a winning atmosphere.”
Earlier this month, the DP World Tour confirmed that all Rolex Series events will have a total prize pool of $9 million, an increase of $1 million from the 2022 prize pool. The 2023 tournament will be the second of four events forming the Middle East’s swing, as Abu Dhabi prepares to host two weeks of world-class golf across multiple venues.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has confirmed free general admission tickets for all tournament days, giving UAE fans the chance to attend a world-class field in person for free.