Dubai: World No. 3 Rory McIlroy will return to defend his Omega Dubai Desert Classic title at Emirates Golf Club from February 4-7, it was confirmed on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Northern Irishman will be making his tenth appearance in the tournament, the most amount of times he has played anywhere else in the world.
McIlroy made his first European Tour cut at this event as an amateur in 2007 aged 17 and recorded his first professional win here in 2009. He’s since gone on to become World No. 1 and a four-time Major winner, totalling 19 tournament wins.
He won his second Desert Classic last year equalling the tournament record score of 22 under par 266, joining a list of three players to have won the event multiple times, including Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and Stephen Gallacher.
“I have great memories of Dubai and I am really looking forward to getting back to a golf course where I have enjoyed success over the years,” said McIlroy, who is 81 under par for his last six appearances at this event, all of which were top ten finishes.
“It seems every time I come here I play well and give myself some great chances. The tournament always boasts an outstandingly tough field and the Majlis course is guaranteed to be in really great shape. Obviously, I will be looking to get off to a fast start and give myself the best chance of winning the event again.
“To think the tournament is older than I am is testimony to its strength and popularity among top pros,” he added.
McIlroy will be joined by Europe’s 2016 Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke, Henrik Stenson, Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer and Matt Fitzpatrick, among others for this 27th edition.
Mohammad Bu Amim, vice-chairman and chief executive officer of Golf in Dubai, said: “We are delighted to welcome back our defending champion whom we have seen grow from an amateur in 2006 to a world-class player. His incredible journey has left indelible footprints in the tournament’s history.
“He is one of golf’s greatest entertainer who brings special energy to the tournament that rubs off well on fans. I wish him the very best.”
