Hello golfers,

In this week’s email, we look at new products soon to arrive in the pro shop, and we cast an eye over the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Enjoy the read.

Callaway Rogue

We had the tech rep in from Callaway on Wednesday going through the new products for 2018. Star of the show is the new Rogue Driver. Adding another premium driver to its range for 2018 may seem a bold move for Callaway but Rogue has the performance to back it up. Those who have invested in Epic won’t be losing out considerably by not upgrading, but Rogue does seem to be slightly more forgiving and feel better too while the larger profile of the standard model may also suit the eye of the average golfer a little more.

Also the Rogue irons look to be a game changer, Sam managed to hit the six iron 262 yards, was it a fluke? The only way to tell is to get a fitting and find out yourself.

Remember I have a fitting event with Callaway on the 23rd and despite not even receiving the poster from Callaway to promote the day I only have three spots left, so please don't delay and make an appointment soon.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

There’s a star-studded line-up for this, the 13th running of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. World Number 1 Dustin Johnson will start following his victory in the Sentry Tournament of Champions two weeks ago. Rory McIlroy is back in action and European stars like Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey and defending champ Tommy Fleetwood will also play.

McIlroy returns from injury and is looking forward to the season ahead.

“I am looking for a strong start in 2018 and Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to open my season’s campaign,” he said. “Having come really close here on more than one occasion, I will be completely focused on trying to win the coveted Falcon Trophy and getting myself back into the winners’ circle – that would be a real confidence boost to start the New Year.”

Dustin Johnson finished runner-up to Tommy Fleetwood in 2017 and will be looking to go one better this time out. “Hopefully Abu Dhabi will serve as the perfect springboard for me in 2018,” he said.

First contested in 2006, this is an event that was dominated by two players in the tournament’s early years – Martin Kaymer and Paul Casey. The Englishman won in 2007 and 2009 while the German has been the champion three times – 2008, 2010 and 2011.

Rickie Fowler triumphed in 2016 and Tommy Fleetwood took the title last season. The one-stroke victory over Dustin Johnson kick-started the English player’s season and he went on to finish the year as European Tour Number 1.

Designed by renowned desert course architect Peter Harradine, the course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club is long and challenging with plenty of water hazards to negotiate. Stretched now to almost 7,600 yards, it’s a venue that suits the power hitters.

Player Watch:

Dustin Johnson – A winner in his last start in Hawaii, DJ was runner-up in this event last year. He’ll be tough to beat.

Paul Casey – Twice a winner here and a supremely consistent performer, Casey will be looking to get back in the winner’s circle this week.

Branden Grace – He has two top-five finishes in this event and comes into the week on good form – he was second last week in the BMW SA Open.

Click here to keep an eye on this week's leaderboard.