Dubai braced for Tiger fever

Dubai: Just days after announcing his plans to build his first signature course in Dubai, Tiger Woods is returning to the city to burn the famed Majlis course with his exploits when he features in the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club, starting from February 1-4.

The irreplaceable world number one will spearhead a star cast for the European PGA Tour event he won in February last year after a play-off with golf in DUBAI ambassador Ernie Els.

Since that dramatic victory - his first in three attempts in Dubai - Woods has scaled new heights, winning the PGA Tour 'Player of the Year' award for the eighth time in his career for his outstanding record in 2006 which included a stunning streak of six stroke-play victories on the trot.

Money list

In the process, Woods slipped past Tom Watson, who captured six PGA 'Player of the Year' awards between 1977 and 1984, also adding his rich cache of achievements the Arnold Palmer trophy for leading the money list with a staggering $9.9 millions and the Byron Nelson Award for producing the lowest scoring average at 68.11.

And the news that the 12-time Major winner would be competing in Dubai for three times in the next four years has certainly added spice to the Dubal-sponsored tournament.

"We are naturally delighted and proud that Tiger Woods has again agreed to join us for the 2007 Dubai Desert Classic," said Mohammad Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman of golf in DUBAI - the promoters and organisers of the 72-hole stroke-play tournament. "Having the world's greatest golfer play in your event is something many tournament organisers dream of."

Best golf

"So for us to be able to welcome him to the Majlis Course for the fourth time in seven years is a major boost for golf in the Middle East, especially Dubai."

Woods himself admitted he is looking forward to a return to the Arabian Gulf. "I always enjoy visiting Dubai - it's an extremely hospitable place where the people and the tournament organisers treat the players so well," he said.

"The level of competition is always extremely high so I know I'll have to play my best golf if I'm going to defend my title. But it's a great venue, the course is always in immaculate condition and the weather reminds me of back home in Florida," said Woods who has also been amazed by the progress of Dubai.

"From the time I first came to play here in 2001, I wanted to be a part of this amazing vision," Woods had commented after unveiling plans for Al Ruwaya course in The Tiger Woods Dubai.