Four of the world's top six are in Abu Dhabi this week for the start of the Desert Swing, but who will take the title? Ben Coley casts his eye over the field and feels we could see another unlikely name on the trophy.
Bookmakers make Rory McIlroy their narrow favourite for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship ahead of rival Jordan Spieth, as the European Tour season kicks off in earnest.
McIlroy's position at the head of the market is the product of an exceptional record in this event, dating back to his 11th-placed finish on his 2008 debut. Since then, he's finished runner-up four times, along with fifth place in 2009 and a missed cut with his new Nike clubs in 2013.
It's a record which confirms McIlroy loves this golf course, one similar to those in Dubai which he's conquered more than once, and chances are he'll win this event sooner or later.
But is 4/1 a good price? My suggestion is no, for various reasons, chief among which is the presence of the world No 1 Spieth.
Yes, Spieth makes his debut in the event and is disadvantaged by lack of course know-how, but on the other hand he already has competitive golf under his belt this year, which McIlroy does not. Well, perhaps competitive isn't the right word - Spieth won by eight shots in Hawaii and the tournament was as good as over after two rounds.
With that in mind the American is my idea of the most likely winner, but the recent history of this event suggests we're better off taking a few each-way chances in the hope of striking gold so let's do just that.
Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter are among those to arrive with the benefit of taking part in last week's EurAsia Cup, won by the Europeans in resounding fashion.
Not only will that have helped shake away the Christmas cobwebs, but Westwood and Poulter will be feeling confident having led from the front all week.
Westwood in particular looked in really good shape, picking up where he left off with that runner-up finish in Thailand which secured his Masters berth in December, and this is a big season for a player who had one or two off-course issues in 2015.
He knows it, too, and will be redoubling his efforts in a bid to qualify for Darren Clarke's Ryder Cup side. I reckon we'll see Westwood remind us all just why he was the top-ranked player in the sport a few years ago with a series of big performances, starting here.
Like Westwood, Poulter will be eager to qualify for the Ryder Cup rather than rely on a selection, especially having been exposed to all the talent coming through the ranks in Europe which places his position under threat.
He has three top-10 finishes in four starts here and, having just turned 40, also looks set to up his efforts in 2016.
At the other end of the experience scale, Kristoffer Broberg could spring a surprise at around the 80/1 mark.
The Swede capped a string of solid efforts with victory in the BMW Masters late last year, impressing with his resolution in the final round to secure a first European Tour title.
He has only played one strokeplay event since, finishing a very solid 17th just a week later in Dubai, and had been honing his game in the UAE prior to performing well in the EurAsia Cup.
Sure to be inspired by his first taste of team golf and with his own Ryder Cup prospects now very much realistic, I fancy him to improve on his previous efforts in this tournament.
Finally, try Branden Grace of those just below the front two in the betting.
The South African has been in brilliant form since winning one of these events last year (next week's Qatar Masters) and is now every inch a world-class performer.
His efforts here include two good rounds and fifth place in 2013 and, as with my other selections, he's advantaged by having shaken off the rust - in his case with another top-five finish in the SA Open.
Watch the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Our coverage gets underway from 3.30am on Thursday.