Four-time DP World Tour winner David Horsey aims to secure his return to the DP World Tour as the Abu Dhabi Challenge begins on Thursday at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the Al Ain Region. The Dubai-based English golfer currently holds 15th place on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, which grants DP World Tour cards to the top 15 players by the season’s end.

Horsey, who finished tied for 18th in last year’s event, described the tournament as a home fixture, highlighting the advantage of familiarity with local conditions, including the heat. “It’s nice to feel like a local, and I feel like I’ve got a bit of an advantage in a way, especially with the heat,” he said.

Over his career, Horsey secured four DP World Tour victories between 2010 and 2015, winning the BMW International Open, Trophée Hassan II, M2M Russian Open, and Made in Denmark. At his peak, he reached 77th in the Official World Golf Ranking. His team experience includes appearances representing Great Britain & Ireland in the Walker Cup and the Seve Trophy. Horsey also boasts an accomplished record on the HotelPlanner Tour, with wins in 2008, 2013, and 2017, which helped him qualify for major championships such as The Open and the Masters.

Joining Horsey under invitation from the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is Jackson Bell, senior golf professional at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Bell, who ranks as the No. 1 PGA Professional in the UAE after winning the Order of Merit this year, enters the event with momentum following a recent victory at Yas Links in the season’s opening PGA event. Bell expressed enthusiasm about competing alongside established DP World Tour players, noting the importance of representing his club and inspiring junior golfers.

The UAE-based lineup also features Adri Arnaus, Dominic Foos, Jack Davidson, Luke Joy, David Gray, Damien Scott, amateur Jay Mullane, and Emirati players Ahmad Skaik and Ahmed Al Musharekh. Skaik is making his third appearance at the event and in 2025 became the first Emirati to make a cut in a European Tour group event during the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club.

The Abu Dhabi Challenge is contested on the par-70 Championship Course, which measures 7,117 yards. The course incorporates water hazards on most holes and features several fairways adjacent to Al Ain’s horse racing track. Its signature hole, the par-five 10th, is the longest par five in the Arabian Gulf at 678 yards. The tournament runs from September 30 to October 3.