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29 March 2024

Woods, McIlroy confirmed for Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Tiger Woods of the United States walk up the tenth hole during Round Two of the 113th US Open at Merion Golf Club on June 14, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (GETTY)

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By Staff

World number one Tiger Woods and second-ranked Rory McIlroy will headline a strong field when the Omega Dubai Desert Classic celebrates its 25th anniversary at Emirates Golf Club from January 27 to February 2, 2014.

The top-two ranked players on the planet will join an illustrious list of past champions which includes Mark O’Meara and Joe Maria Olazabal as they vie for a $2.5 million purse in the longest-running European Tour event in Asia and the MENA region.

The early confirmation of four iconic names in the world of golf, who between them have won 20 Major championships, will ensure the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, befitting the silver jubilee celebrations of the event, promoted and organized by golf in Dubai.

The awesome foursome will also feature in the Champions Challenge, an 18-hole stroke-play showpiece which will see former winners of the event contest for a share of the $600,000 prize fund while reliving their memorable moments on the Majlis course on Tuesday, January 28.

“I appreciate the support I have received from the people in Dubai and I always enjoy playing in their tournament. They have an outstanding field all the time, and the golf course (Majlis) is really in great shape,” said Woods, the winner of the 2006 and 2008 editions of the $2.5 million event.

Arguably the most remarkable athlete of the modern era, Woods is no stranger to Dubai having competed in the longest-running European Tour event in the region six times since making his first appearance in 2001.

Along with South Africa’s Ernie Els, he holds the distinction of being one of only two multiple winners of the Middle East’s flagship tournament.

“Having won twice, I have really good memories of playing in Dubai and look forward to getting out there and being part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the tournament,” said Woods, the 14-time Major winner, who also boasts 78 wins on the PGA Tour, just four shy of Sam Snead’s all-time record of 82.

The Omega Dubai Desert Classic holds special significance for McIlroy who recorded his first professional win when he won the longest-running European Tour event in 2009 at age 19, making him the seventh youngest winner in The European Tours history.

Since this win, McIlroy, already acknowledged as an extraordinary talent,  has dramatically climbed the ladder of success, becoming the world number one for a period and a proud owner of the US Open (in 2011) and the PGA Championship (in 2012) trophies among his multiple wins on the international circuit.
 
“It will be fun to be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the tournament. It always feel nice to get back to a golf course where you have enjoyed success. Obviously I will be looking to win the event again,” said the Northern Irishman ahead of the tournament, where he will be making his eighth appearance, the most number of times he has played anywhere else.

It’s here the Northern Irishman made the cut for the first time in a European Tour event as a 17-year-old amateur in 2007, eventually finishing tied 52nd at three-under-par score of 285.

“I've got great memories of this course and of this tournament. It was nice to get my first professional win in Dubai.  I had my parents there with me and it was a special moment that I will never forget. That win was a real stepping stone for the success that followed and my relationship with Dubai went from strength to strength.

“To think the tournament is older than I am is testimony to its strength,” said McIlroy, who spent 32 straight weeks at the summit of the world rankings before Woods reclaimed the top spot with victory at Bay Hill.

“I will turn 25 a few months after the event, so to compete in next year’s 25th anniversary celebrations of the tournament will make it extra special.”

Victorious Ryder Cup captain and 1998 winner Olazabal, and the seasoned O’Meara, who took the honours in 2004, are equally excited to be part of the landmark event.

“It will be fun to play alongside former winners and revive some old memories,” said Olazabal who beat Australia’s Stephen Allan by three shots to hoist the trophy.

“The landscape of Dubai has changed dramatically as is the case with golf in the region, but the giant solid silver Arabian Coffee Pot-shaped still serves as a valued treasure holding much significance to the players, said O’Meara, who beat Ireland’s Paul McGinley, the Europe team captain for the 2014 Ryder Cup, by one shot in a strong field that included Woods and Els.

“Being a ‘golf in Dubai’ ambassador, the tournament holds special significance. Not only for me, I think all good players in the world love to come to Dubai and play in an event which is run so professionally. When you look at the list of the past champions, it is so impressive,” said O’Meara, who now plies his trade on the Champions Tour.

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai, commented: “We are delighted with early confirmation of four of our past winners, who will be joining us for the 25th anniversary of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

“Tiger is a standout player, who transcends all ages and genders. His presence, in particular, will further add to the profile of Dubai which was named one of the ultimate sporting cities for 2012 by Sports Business International.

“The fact that he will be making his seventh appearance in Dubai next year also shows how the tournament, which is the longest-running European Tour event in the region, has grown in stature and popularity since its inception in 1989.

“Rory is a familiar face to Dubai fans, having competed in this event a number of times, both as an amateur and professional.  He is an exceptionally talented young sportsman who, I believe, is destined for greatness.

“For sure, he is an inspiration to young sportsmen even from beyond his own sport. They admire him a lot and love watching him. I am not a great believer in comparing sportsmen, but Rory’s youthful charm and charisma has certainly created its own marketable brand.

“With the world’s top two ranked already confirmed, we can expect high quality golf. I wish all of them the very best and hope they have a wonderful stay in Dubai.