Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa have started to familiarise themselves with the new course for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after the four-time major winner and world No 2 enjoyed practice rounds at Yas Links on Monday.
McIlroy, 32, was runner-up on four occasions at the tournament's previous home on the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and will be seeking his 21st professional win when the Rolex Series event tees off on Thursday.
Morikawa, meanwhile, will make his first appearance at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but the American will be the man to beat following a 2021 season which comprised a second major title, at The Open, and a victorious Ryder Cup debut, before ending the year by winning the DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai double.
Both players were seen on the range and out on the course at Yas Links on Monday as the excitement builds ahead of the first tournament of the new DP World Tour season.
McIlroy and Morikawa will face stiff competition for the Falcon Trophy from a stacked field, which includes world No 6 Viktor Hovland, defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, and former tournament winners Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, and Lee Westwood.
Check out the best photos from the practice rounds in the gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.
The five pillars of Islam
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule
Thursday December 27
Men's quarter-finals
Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm
Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm
Women's exhibition
Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm
Friday December 28
5th place play-off 3pm
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Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm
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3rd place play-off 5pm
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
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Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
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May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
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The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
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180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
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