Golfing greats ready to showcase their talents

Dubai: Tiger Woods faces a tough challenge this month when he attempts to retain his Dubai Desert Classic title from a hungry field swollen with some of golf's biggest names.

Dubai perennial and three-time winner Ernie Els, Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood are all primed to steal the giant coffee pot trophy from beneath Wood's nose when the Gulf News-sponsored competition starts at Emirates Golf Club on January 30 to February 4.

And golf in DUBAI ambassadors Colin Montgomerie, resident Thomas Bjorn, Mark O'Meara and Henrik Stenson will combine to make the line-up the best in the Desert Classic's 18-year history.

Mohammad Ali Al Abbar, president of 'golf in DUBAI', said yesterday: "These superstars, I am sure, will be given a run for their money by golfing legend Greg Norman who will be returning to Dubai after a gap of two years to spice up the event with his colourful personality and name."

Al Abbar also announced that this year's Classic was the richest to date with $2.4 million (Dh8.8 million) at stake. "The progress of Els, will be keenly followed as the winner of the Classic titles in 2005, 2002 and 1994," Al Abbar went on.

"He will be aiming for a record fourth title having missed out on the unique feat last year when he lost to Woods in a dramatic playoff."

Two changes have been made to the Majlis course for this year's competition.

Rodney Bogg from Emirates Golf Club management company, Dubai Golf, said: "We have changed the tees on the 15th and the 18th holes. The 15th has been moved back and is now almost 200 yards as opposed to last year's 180 yards.

"The 18th has been moved to make it a little bit more difficult for the players to come around the corner and make the green in two shots. We can also move the tee so it is harder on days one and two but can be moved on days three and four for a more exciting and competitive finish which might allow some players to come from behind."

This year's Classic is sponsored by main partner Dubal, National Bank of Dubai, Emaar, Jumeirah Hotels, Emirates, BMW, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Gulf News, Omega and CNN.

Tickets are available at www.dubaidesertclassic.com