Abu Dhabi: Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose said it would be “like a dream” if he wins the 2015 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in its 10th year in January.
Europe’s top points scorer with four in their Ryder Cup victory over the US at Gleneagles last month, Rose is now turning his attention to the 2015 season, which will start at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 15.
The Englishman came close to winning his first Falcon Trophy in 2013, when he held a two-stroke lead against a world-class pack after three days. But, on an enthralling final day, fellow Ryder Cup hero Jamie Donaldson made five birdies and didn’t drop a shot until the final hole to pip him to the title.
Rose had a chance to force a play-off with Donaldson, but his birdie putt lipped out of the cup, giving the honours to the Welshman. South Africa-born Rose had to be content with joint-second place with Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen.
“That’s a putt I don’t think I’ll ever forget,” said Rose, who is returning to Abu Dhabi for the second time.
“As a kid growing up, the big dream for me was to become one of the best golfers in the world and I’ve learnt along the way there are always going to be highs and lows in this sport.
“I used to dream about winning big tournaments, playing in Ryder Cups and, of course, you dream about sinking putts to win the Open Championship. Success doesn’t come easily and you have to put the hard work and dedication in, but the most important thing for me is to start with a dream.
“Winning a Major championship has always been my goal and, I have to say, winning in Abu Dhabi in its 10th year would also be a dream.”
Rose, the current world number six, forged an impressive partnership with Swede Henrik Stenson in the Ryder Cup, winning all three of their matches together. He also fought back superbly against Hunter Mahan to halve his singles match.
His stunning Ryder Cup form comes almost 18 months after winning the US Open at Merion Golf Club by two strokes over Phil Mickelson and Jason Day to become the first English player to secure a Major since Nick Faldo in 1996.
“Justin is a great competitor and we know he would love to win in Abu Dhabi after going so close in 2013,” said Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director Tourism at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which owns and organises the championship.
“He’s an extremely popular player and we love having him here. We are working hard to make the 10th anniversary of the championship one of our most memorable ever events, and welcoming Justin back to Abu Dhabi adds to the overall anticipation.”
Rose will join world No. 1 Rory McIlroy and three-time Abu Dhabi winner Martin Kaymer at the event.
For more information, visit www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com, the Facebook page Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, Twitter at @adgolfchamps or #adunexpected or Instagram at @adgolfchamps.
