Phil Mickelon is playing to shorten his 2014 schedule with an eye toward capturing his first U.S. Open title at Pinehurst No. 2 and completing the career Grand Slam.
That shortened schedule begins in January on the European Tour at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in the United Arab Emirates, the tournament announced Tuesday.
Mickelson joins Rory McIlroy and U.S. Open champion Justin Rose in the field. Tiger Woods, who missed the cut in the event last year thanks, in part, to a two-stroke penalty for taking improper relief from a hazard, will play in the DUbai Desert Classic instead in 2014.
Mickelson last played in the Abu Dhabi event in 2011, finishing T-37.
"To play Abu Dhabi in the early part of the year is a great opportunity," said Mickelson in a release. "I've wanted to return since my first time there in 2011. The golf course and facilities at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club are outstanding and the quality of the field and the good weather make it a great place to start my 2014 season."
The event will be played Jan. 16-19 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, opposite the PGA Tour's Humana Challenge, where Mickelson has launched his season the last two years.
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