Expo 2020 & OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic join forces

Defending Champion Bryson DeChambeau, 2017 Champion Sergio Garcia, 2017 Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood, Ryder Cup talisman Ian Poulter and up-and-coming amateur Josh Hill were joined by the official Expo 2020 mascots, eight-year-old Emirati girl Latifa, and her nine-year-old brother, Rashid, to mark the 31^st edition of the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, which will be taking place between 23^rd-26^th January, 2020.

The group photo took place at Emirates Golf Club, with the players and mascots converging on the 8^th hole of the renowned Majlis Course. With the iconic Dubai skyline serving as a dramatic backdrop, the strength of the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic field was displayed in all its glory.

The 132-man line-up includes 16 of the world’s top 50 ranked players, 35 of the top 100, nine Major champions with 12 Major titles between them, two former world number ones, six Race to Dubai winners, 25 Ryder Cup players, 11 former OMEGA Dubai Desert champions, 34 players who have five or more European Tour victories and 95 of the top 115 on the final 2019 Race to Dubai Rankings.

Despite boasting one of its strongest ever fields, the line-up was strengthened further by the official mascots of Expo 2020, Latifa and Rashid. Latifa is an inquisitive eight-year-old girl who dreams of becoming one of the world’s greatest inventors. Whereas her brother, nine-year-old Rashid, cares deeply for the environment and enjoys poetry, drawing, riddles and family tales passed down the generations.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau was keen to emphasise the challenge he faced if he was to retain his title in Dubai, commenting: “Being with everyone lined up for this photo makes you realise the quality of this event and the strength of the field.  I am excited to be back in Dubai with these great players and look forward to battling to retain the Dallah trophy. In the meantime, it was awesome to meet both Latifa and Rashid, ahead of this year’s Expo 2020 in Dubai!”

Simon Corkill, Tournament Director, who joined the photo call said: “When I see these fantastic international players gathered on the award-winning Majlis Course, it’s clear how far golf in Dubai has come since our first tournament back in 1989. The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic is committed to delivering a world-class golf tournament and as you can see from the players taking part in this photo call, our 2020 field of players, including our defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, more than lives up to this expectation.”