Dubai: It is probably just a coincidence that Tiger Woods was named by Forbes as the richest sportsman in the world about the same time he committed to playing in the 2011 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, still the only tournament he has signed up for in 2011 according to his website. That was way back in July last year when even his 2010 schedule was up in the air and it is plainly obvious that money was the last thing on his mind when he decided to return to the Emirates Golf Club, the scene of his two famous triumphs in 2006 and 2008.
Now, with less than a month to go for the tournament, the most famous name in world sport has revealed why he decided to commit so early for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Full of praise
"I appreciate the support I've received from the people in Dubai, and I thought I could help by committing early. I always enjoy going to Dubai and I like playing in the tournament. There's an outstanding field all the time and it's a really good golf course that's in great shape," he told XPRESS in an exclusive interview ahead of the February 10-13 tournament.
That he loves to play at the Majlis course is proven by the fact that he has never finished worse than tied-fifth in his five appearances here and he added: "Having won twice, I have really good memories playing here. In 2006, I was able to birdie the final two holes to get in a playoff with Ernie [Els] that I was fortunate to win. In 2008, I shot 65 the final round and made a long birdie putt at the last hole to win by one. Both tournaments had great players, an outstanding leader board and a really exciting finish."
Incidentally, Woods is designing a signature golf course in Dubai, named the Al Ruwaya Golf Course, construction for which began in 2007, but owing to the recession, its completion is still pending, something that the golfer will surely look to follow up on during his visit to Dubai.
That, however, would seem a minor problem compared to the ones he had to deal with in 2010 - his divorce to Elin Nordegren in August following admission of marital infidelity being among the most talked and written-about events of the year .
Understandably, Woods' game took a hit as he finished the year without a title and lost his No 1 ranking which he held for a record 281 consecutive weeks, something the golfer has managed to take in his stride.
"Like I've said, winning takes care of a lot of things, including being No 1 in the world, and I haven't done that lately. I am encouraged about the future and I'm looking forward to this year," he said, adding: "My goal every year is to get better, and that's what I want to do in 2011. Last year was difficult in a lot of ways, but I'm excited about my golf game this year."
And excited he has enough reasons to be, for just three months after his divorce at the Chevron World Challenge, he led the field by four strokes going into the final day before being edged out by Graeme McDowell on the first play-off hole.
And the winner of 14 Majors believes the work with coach Sean Foley in the latter half of 2010 is slowly beginning to pay off.
Back on track
"I'm very encouraged about my recent play. I've been working with Sean Foley on different aspects of my game, but it takes time. I think that I'm on the right track," he said.
Incidentally, Woods last played in Dubai in 2008 and will effectively be ‘defending' his title this year, having been injured in 2009 and taking a break from the game in 2010.
And going by his recent form, it would take a brave man to bet against him completing a hat-trick in Dubai.
On Tiger's trail
You can win the chance of a lifetime to play with Tiger Woods on February 9 at the Emirates Golf Club. The lucky winner will receive an invitation to play in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am, alongside Woods and two other amateurs, besides receiving two hospitality season passes. Any golfer who holds an official handicap with a golf club, association or federation is eligible to participate. The handicap limits are 18 for men and 26 for the ladies. There can be only one entry per person. You can register online at www.golfindubai.org
In the rough
- In November 2009, Woods' life was thrown into turmoil following allegations of marital infidelity.
- He decided to take a break from golf soon after.
- In February, 2010, he called a press conference to issue an apology, also stating that he had been in therapy.
- He announced in March he would return to golf at the 2010 Masters to be held in April.
- Woods and Elin divorced in August, 2010 after nearly six years of marriage.
