Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning NCAA and U.S. Amateur champion from Clovis and SMU, will make his fourth start in a professional event in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates.
The 22-year-old DeChambeau, who will not turn pro until after he plays in the Masters in April, was given a sponsors exemption to play in the European Tour event.
“It will be my first visit to Dubai,” said DeChambeau, who left SMU before his senior season in September because sanctions against the Mustangs prevented him from defending his NCAA title.
“But I have heard many good things about the city from fellow players and know the tournament attracts a very strong field each year.”
DeChambeau is exempt into the first three majors of the year because of his victory in the U.S. Amateur, as long as he remains an amateur, but has said he expects to leave the amateur ranks after playing at Augusta National.
Last year, he joined Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Ryan Moore as the only players to claim the NCAA and U.S. Am titles in the same year.
In his previous starts in pro events since leaving school, he missed the cut in the Argentina Open, tied for second in the Australian Masters and tied for 30th in the Australian Open.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland is defending champion in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, which will be played Feb. 4-7.
