Dubai: Top Afghan golfer Hashmatullah Sawaree will meet his hero Tiger Woods during the forthcoming Omega Dubai Desert Classic to be held at the Emirates Golf Club from February 7 to 13.

One of the handful of players pursuing a sport which is still alien to the Afghan culture, Sarwaree made headlines after CNN highlighted his struggle to keep the game alive in his country against all odds.

Following up on CNN's report, golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organisers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic extended the 21-year-old prodigy a special invitation to watch the European Tour event along with his coach Mohammad Afzal Abdullah in a move which could help the cause of golf in Afghanistan.

During his week-long stay in Dubai, Hashmatullah will have the opportunity to meet Woods, who is aiming for his third victory to match Ernie Els' feat in his sixth visit to the Emirate since 2001.

"If the news of this young boy meeting Tiger can provide a boost to golf in Afghanistan, we would be more than delighted," said Mohammad Juma Bu Amaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, adding: "We were impressed by Hasmatullah's interview with CNN where he talked highly of Tiger and how the young golfers look up to him for inspiration."

"That's when the idea of inviting him to Dubai was born. It's a tribute to the Afghan people that despite difficult times they haven't forgotten how to smile," said Bu Amaim.

Event media partner CNN is covering the Omega Dubai Desert Classic as part of its golfing coverage, and is planning a follow up story with Hashmatullah.

Invigorated and inspired by the exploits of Woods, whom he regularly watches on TV, Hashmatullah took to golf when he was four and since then he has been honing his skills under the tutelage of Afzal Abdullah, the founder of the course and the only pro at the Kabul Golf Club.

Once the scene of clashes between rival Mujahideen factions in 1990s, the nine-hole course was opened in 2004 and requires special skills and attitude to conquer it. "We have nine holes and we change the tees to make it 18. You have got to attack since it's a rugged course, bereft of grass, and the ‘greens' are black — a compacted combination of sand and motor oil.

"All he needs is more opportunities and equipment to hone his competitive edge," said Abdullah.