Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy return for Dubai Desert Classic

Dubai: World number one Tiger Woods and second-ranked Rory McIlroy will headline a strong field when the Omega Dubai Desert Classic celebrates its 25th anniversary at Emirates Golf Club from January 27 to February 2 next year.

The top-two ranked players will join past champions Mark O’Meara and Jose Maria Olazabal as they vie for a $2.5 million (Dh9.1 million) purse in the longest-running European Tour event in Asia and the MENA region. The early confirmation of four iconic names in the world of golf, who between them have won 20 Major championships, will ensure the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, befitting the silver jubilee celebrations of the event, promoted and organised by golf in DUBAi.

The foursome will also feature in the Champions Challenge, an 18-hole stroke-play showpiece which will see former winners of the event battle for a share of the $600,000 prize fund while reliving their memorable moments on the Majlis course on Tuesday, January 28.

“I appreciate the support I have received from the people in Dubai and I always enjoy playing in their tournament. They have an outstanding field all the time, and the golf course (Majlis) is really in great shape,” said Woods, the 2006 and 2008 champion, who will be making his seventh appearance in the event.

“Having won twice, I have really good memories of playing in Dubai and look forward to getting out there and being part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the tournament.”

The event holds special significance for McIlroy who recorded his first professional win when he won the longest-running European Tour event in 2009 at age 19, making him the seventh youngest winner in European Tour history.

Since this win, McIlroy, already acknowledged as an extraordinary talent, has dramatically climbed the ladder of success, becoming the world number one for a period and proud owner of the US Open (in 2011) and the PGA Championship (in 2012) trophies among multiple wins on the international circuit.

“It will be fun to be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the tournament. It always feels nice to get back to a golf course where you have enjoyed success. Obviously I will be looking to win the event again,” said the Northern Irishman ahead of the tournament, where he will be making his eighth appearance, the most number of times he has played anywhere else.

It’s here the Northern Irishman made the cut for the first time in a European Tour event as a 17-year-old amateur in 2007, eventually finishing tied 52nd at three-under-par score of 285.

“I’ve got great memories of this course and of this tournament. It was nice to get my first professional win in Dubai. I had my parents there with me and it was a special moment that I will never forget. That win was a real stepping stone for the success that followed and my relationship with Dubai went from strength to strength.

“To think the tournament is older than I am is testimony to its strength,” said McIlroy, who spent 32 straight weeks at the summit of the world rankings before Woods reclaimed the top spot with victory at Bay Hill.

“I will turn 25 a few months after the event, so to compete in next year’s 25th anniversary celebrations of the tournament will make it extra special.”

Victorious Ryder Cup captain and 1998 winner Olazabal, and the seasoned O’Meara, who took the honours in 2004, are equally excited to be part of the landmark event.

“It will be fun to play alongside former winners and revive some old memories,” said Olazabal who beat Australia’s Stephen Allan by three shots to hoist the trophy.

Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, commented: “We are delighted with early confirmation of four of our past winners, who will be joining us for the 25th anniversary of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

“Tiger is a standout player, who transcends all ages and genders. His presence, in particular, will further add to the profile of Dubai which was named one of the ultimate sporting cities for 2012 by Sports Business International.”

golf in DUBAi is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.