2023 Ras Al Khaimah Championship Preview, Picks & Analysis

THE DP World Tour’s Desert Swing ends this week with the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club.

And Thriston Lawrence will make his second appearance at the event after getting his season off to a flyer with victory on home soil at the Investec South African Open Championship.

That victory was his third on the DP World Tour and came after a 2022 season in which he won twice, had six further top tens and a major debut at The Open Championship on the way to becoming the first South African to be crowned the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.

“It was great to pick up where I left off last season with another win in South Africa and to see my name at the top of the Race to Dubai,” said Lawrence.

“I’m really looking forward to finishing off the Desert Swing by returning to Al Hamra Golf Club for the Ras Al Khaimah Championship next month.”

Tom Phillips, Head of DP World Tour Middle East, added: “Thriston enjoyed a terrific breakthrough season last year, finishing 14th on the Race to Dubai Rankings, so we’re thrilled to welcome him back to the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.”

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Padraig Harrington narrowly missed out on becoming the oldest winner in DP World Tour history when he finished fourth at the Abu Dhabi Championship. The 15-time DP World Tour winner joins defending champion Nicolai Højgaard, his twin brother Rasmus and New Zealand's Ryan Fox, who finished second in the Race to Dubai Rankings last season.

The Irishman secured his first senior major title at the U.S. Senior Open last year - one of four PGA Tour Champions wins in 2022 - adding to his US PGA Championship and two Open Championship trophies. He returns for his second appearance at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

"I'm looking forward to playing the Ras Al Khaimah Championship," said Harrington. "I enjoyed last year's tournament and relish the opportunity to visit Ras Al Khaimah and play at Al Hamra Golf Club once again.

“I ended last season well over in the US with a win at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, and it will be great to get my 2023 season up and running in the Middle East.”

As well as watching Harrington and his fellow DP World Tour stars on the course, there's an array of exciting activities available for spectators away from the golf.

Bear Grylls' Outdoor Adventure Camp will be onsite which allows guests to participate in various outdoor activities such as soft tipped archery classes, while children can enjoy a specialised adventure park.

Free beach access is also available at Al Hamra Residence while face painting, magic shows and games are on offer to keep children entertained all throughout the day.

Tournament Winners

The inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Championship was won in 2022 by Nicolai Hojgaard.

Form Guide

Padraig Harrington has continued to work incredibly hard on his fitness and even at the age of 51 he averages more than 300 yards from the tee. He had a fabulous debut season on the Champions Tour last year and played some wonderful golf in Abu Dhabi. And he would love to become the oldest winner in DP World Tour history. Ryan Fox also enjoyed a glorious season in 2022. He was back to his best in Dubai and it would be no surprise to see him contend once again.

The Course

Al Hamra Golf Club was designed by the legendary Peter Harradine. 

It is a par 72 measuring 7,325 yards. It is tree-lined and features many water hazards. The key to low scoring here is accuracy from the tee.

To Win:

Ryan Fox. Wonderful ball striker

Each Way:

Padraig Harrington. Not here to make up the numbers

Each Way:

Thriston Lawrence. Wonderful short game

Five to Follow:

Ryan Fox. Full of self belief

Padraig Harrington. As fit as a fiddle

Thriston Lawrence. Proven winner

Guido Migliozzi. Finally finding some consistency

Adrian Meronk. Impressive in everything he does

Outsiders to Watch:

Nathan Kimsey. The next big thing!

Niklas Norgaard. Brilliant prospect

Dale Whitnell. Keep an eye on him

Andrew Johnston. Who doesn’t love Beef?