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Els denies wanting to skip Dubai World Championship
els
South African golfer Ernie Els has dismissed reports that he will skip the Dubai World Championship next month because he does not like Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
“Unfortunately my words after the final round of the Dunhill at St Andrews were taken the wrong way. It is just not right to say I will not be going to Dubai because of the golf course,” said Els issuing a statement on Wednesday.
Els said his quote were taken out of context. “There are a couple of holes I don’t particularly like but to say that I don’t like the entire course is just sensationalism. As a designer myself, I don’t criticise other people’s work,” Els referring to the Earth course designed by Australian Greg Norman.
“I have been going to the Emirates for many years and have always enjoyed my experiences and the courses there. It’s a fantastic place and I look forward to going back,” said Els.
“I just don’t know about Dubai and I don’t know if I want to go there, and it’s just that I am not a fan of the golf course out there,” Els had been quoted as saying earlier.
“I love Dubai and I’ve won the Desert Classic three times but the golf course for the Dubai World Championship just doesn’t suit my game.
“So at this stage I’m not going to play but then I will review what I’m going to do after the Shanghai event.”
The Dubai World Championship is due to take place from November 25-28. Els is fourth on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai money list.