Dubai: UAE-based amateur Matthew Turner and professional Jamie Wood earned their spots at the month-end Dubai Desert Classic by winning the 36-hole qualifying tournament which ended at Emirates Golf Club on Monday.
The pair held their nerve and will now join a star-studded cast, including Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els at the tournament, which celebrates its 20th anniversary between January 26 and February 1.
Turner qualified from among the amateurs after finishing with two back-to-back two-over-par 74 rounds for a four-over-148 total to beat his nearest rival Nicholas Brewaeys and overnight leader Sebastian Heisele by two shots.
Wood, who has also qualified for this week's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, booked his seat with a play-off win over Stephen Hubner.
Down by six holes with nine to play, Turner produced a stunning rally on the back nine, reeling off three birdies to emerge a deserving winner of the qualifying round.
Turner, who missed the cut in last year's tournament, says he's hoping to play the full four days this time around.
"I think being the first time it was a bit hard, but it should be different this year hopefully. I'll be looking to make the cut and then take it from there," he said.
The 18-year-old is feeling better psychologically and is excited he was able to work on the one aspect his game where it matters most.
"The mental side of my game has improved most. Like yesterday, I was about six shots off the lead at one point, but when I was told that the other guys were struggling as well I told myself I had to hole it and here I am.
"I don't want to think too much about it though, and I'll try and get a good start in the tournament and see how it goes.
"Right now I'm quite calm about it, but last year after I won (the qualifying tournament) I was a bit nervous and anxious about the Classic and I wanted to get on with it."
Turner says he is looking to play even more consistent golf in the future.
"The problem is not making the birdies, but over the last two days of the qualifying tournament I made so many mistakes.
"I think I shot somewhere around three birdies and one eagle and had I not made any mistakes I could have finished with five-under, so I'm looking to get some consistency in and that should make the difference."
