Dunes is a very well-balanced course, says Els

Dubai: The Dunes Golf Course at the Dubai Sports City will emerge as the best golf course in Dubai, said Ernie Els after a visit to the site yesterday.

Els is delighted with the progress of the golf course, which is designed by him. He went on to declare that Tiger Woods and Greg Norman, who too have designed golf courses, "will have to go a long way to beat this golf course".

"It has been designed to give the players different levels of play. There is a lot of width to the fairways and some of them are 50 yards wide. The real hazards in this golf course is the bunkers. So one has to to be careful with his shot selection. It is a very well balanced course," he added.

"This is my sixth visit here but the people here have worked day in and day out to produce a wonderful course. I had given them books and pictures that I liked and I am happy they have got it right and exactly the way I liked it. I am 110 per cent sure that this is the going to be the best course," said Els after playing a few drives at the course.

Troon Golf, the world leader in top-end golf management and marketing and development, is supervising the construction of this course.

"I played a few drives to make sure the bunkers are in the right position. I hit a few bunkers and I am convinced it is indeed a championship golf course," he said.

Els also spoke about his chances in the Dubai Desert Classic. "I had a good warm up last week in Qatar and I am hoping that Tiger Woods is tired and jet lagged when he gets here. He is obviously the guy to beat and I am looking forward to the week," he said.

Talking about his form, he said: "I think I had some good performances since last year's British Open in July. I am feeling good physically and mentally."

Els picked Thomas Bjorn and Michael Campbell as strong contenders. "Bjorn, lives here and Campbell is playing well, but I think Tiger has the edge. It will be tough to beat him," he said.