PARIS — Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have both confirmed they will return to Abu Dhabi in January to open their 2013 season. The top-ranking players in the world played in the emirate in January this year, although neither won the European PGA tournament which went to England's Robert Rock. But both said they had been impressed by the Abu Dhabi Golf Club course and the facilities that were provided, convincing them to return for next year with a $2.7 million prize fund on offer from Jan. 17-20. “I really enjoyed my time in Abu Dhabi and I wanted to return, particularly as I played well and came so close last year,” said Woods. “I'd love nothing more than to win in January and start the season in the best possible way.” McIlroy, who won his first pro tournament in nearby Dubai in 2009, took over the world No. 1 spot earlier this year and went on to win his second major tournament at the USPGA in August. “This will be the first time I've headed to Abu Dhabi as world No. 1 and I'm determined to keep the wins coming and cement my ranking,” the Ulsterman said. “The strength of the field means there will be a ton of world ranking points on offer so Abu Dhabi will be a really significant tournament that sets the tone for the year. “I had a great tussle with Tiger nine months ago and I'm sure he'll be in contention again. We've spent a lot of time playing together this year and it's always fun challenging the best.” Garcia's wish came true Sergio Garcia's wish came true when German Martin Kaymer sank the putt that ensured Europe retained the Ryder Cup in Chicago last month, the Spaniard said Tuesday. Former US PGA champion Kaymer had been out of form before taking on American Steve Stricker in the final-day singles on the Sunday of the biennial team event. The 27-year-old German lost the only match he played on Friday's opening day and was omitted by captain Jose Maria Olazabal for both sessions Saturday. “The night before the singles Olazabal and myself had a very good conversation with Martin,” said world No. 19 Garcia in a European Tour news release. “Then Sunday I was having breakfast with Martin and I said to him if I had a wish it would be for him to hole the putt which meant Europe kept the Ryder Cup.” Olazabal, Garcia and vice captain Miguel Angel Jimenez were invited for a special audience with King Juan Carlos I of Spain at the Palace de la Zarzuela in Madrid Tuesday as the monarch congratulated the trio on Europe's victory. “This was my second visit to the Palace to see His Majesty and it was a great honor,” said Olazabal. “The fact His Majesty has invited us to his Palace makes the whole thing very special.” King Juan Carlos talked to the trio about the team's exploits and also spoke of five-time major champion and former Ryder Cup great Severiano Ballesteros who died in May 2011 at the age of 54 after a long battle with brain cancer. — Agencies
