Woods heads star parade for Challenge Match

Dubai: A sizzling star-cast, spearheaded by Tiger Woods, kicks off the busy Dubai Desert Classic week for the Challenge Match at the par-3 course of the Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday starting at 3pm.

The world number one will be joined by a string of high-profile players in the 12-strong field for the traditional curtain-raiser, sponsored by Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai's premier residential golfing community.

Three groups

The Jumeirah Golf Estates Challenge Match provides a rare opportunity for fans to see the game's biggest stars up close and personal, in a fun format in which they will battle to win money for designated UAE charities.

The match will involve six teams, each comprising two players.

The teams will be split into three groups and will play in a 'greensomes' format on the par-27 course, measuring 1,239 from blue tees.

The course has been laid out in such a way that it tests the skills of all.

Pairings

Group 1
Team 1 - David Howell and Jeev Milkha Singh
Team 2 - Colin Montgomerie and Henrik Stenson

Group 2
Team 3 - Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood
Team 4 - Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn

Group 3
Team 5 - Mark O'Meara and Ross Bain
Team 6 - Tiger Woods and Darren Clarke