'Series of surprises' planned for 20th Desert Classic

Dubai: Organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic are promising a "series of surprises" to mark the 20th anniversary of the 'major of the Middle East'.

Tickets for the $2.5 million European Tour event, which will be held at the Emirates Golf Club from January 26 to February 1, are now available.

Since it was first held in 1989, the tournament has grown in size and attracts many of the world's top golfers.

Danish golfer Thomas Bjorn described it as the 'major of the Middle East'.

"The Classic Week truly underlines how Dubai has grown to become one of the world's most exciting golfing destinations," said Mohammad Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI, the promoters and organisers of the event.

"These are early days to confirm the line-up for the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic, but we are fully confident of once again assembling a top-class cast for the event which may well also see the presence of a number of past champions," he said.

"Dubai's continued passion for golf is unquestioned and we welcome the backing of the golfing community as well as our loyal sponsors for what has already been established and for what we aim to achieve in the future," he added.

Earlier this year, Tiger Woods produced a stunning final round 65 to win the Dubai Desert Classic in style.

Five holes behind the leader Ernie Els with nine to play, Woods shot an incredible 31 on the back nine to pull off a memorable victory with a score of 14-under-par.

The win was his second in four visits to Dubai.

"It was a pretty neat finish. I just tried to play the best I could and 31 on the back nine happened to be good enough (to win)," said Woods, who is recovering from knee surgery.

He has not taken a full swing since the US Open at Torrey Pines in June when he defeated Rocco Mediate after 91 holes to win his 14th major.

"We would love to see a fully-fit Tiger return to Dubai to defend his title, but that's something he and his doctors will have to decide. We wish him a speedy recovery," Buamaim said.

Ernie Els will be going for a record fourth Dubai Desert Classic title if he competes next year.

He said: "I always enjoy spending time in Dubai. The progress of Dubai has been amazing since my first visit here in 1993. The Dubai Desert Classic is a huge attraction, something most players look forward to playing each year."

Since it was first held in 1989, the tournament has grown in size and attracts many of the world's top golfers.