Dubai: Irishman Damien McGrane is savouring his moment of playing alongside Tiger Woods during the third round of the 2008 Dubai Desert Classic.
"No I wouldn't say it's my lifelong dream to play alongside Tiger. Obviously, we all want to play better than Tiger, and obviously, that's our ambition to play alongside him and see how the game is played, see what we should be doing because obviously he sets the mark at the moment. It would be nice to be there [playing next to him] and I would like to experience it up front," McGrane stated.
The best finish McGrane has had during the past five tournaments, including last month's Abu Masters, is a tied 20th during the UBS Hong Kong Masters. In Abu Dhabi, he ended tied 58th and a distant tied 33rd in Qatar last week.
McGrane followed up his first round of 68 with a 69 in yesterday's second round to finish 7-under putting himself in contention for a start alongside Woods today.
So naturally the 36-year-old Irishman does not want to be nervous when drawn to play alongside the American.
"I've played with Ernie [Els] a few times and Monty [Colin Montgomerie] a couple of times, and I've enjoyed all those experiences. It's great to play with those guys, and they almost play a different game," McGrane noted.
"I hope I am not nervous [while playing with Woods]. Golf is a difficult game for me and obviously I have to make the most of what I do.
"I play my own game and no matter whom I'm playing with, whether it's yourself or Tiger, I have to try and do the same thing, play my own game and obviously sink a few putts and hopefully the numbers add up correctly at the end of the day," McGrane prayed.
McGrane is aware that his main drawback is the fourth and final round of a tournament. He has been among the most consistent Irish golfers, other than Padraig Harrington, to make the most number of cuts during events.
Hence he knows what he has to do to rectify the situation and get himself finishing higher up in the order.
"I tend to play three good rounds and then play one round not so good. But if I keep knocking on the door, my time has to come," McGrane beamed.
