We don't sell this tournament around an individual: Bu Amim

Dubai: Doubts linger over whether the injured Tiger Woods will join the tee party at this year's Dubai Desert Classic, but organisers claim the world's No 1 player is not the tournament's only attraction.

The tournament, which brings up the tail of the splendid three–tournament Desert Swing that also includes the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and Commercial bank Qatar Masters, celebrates its 20th anniversary next month.

It is as yet unclear if Woods, who is expected to undergo surgery on his injured left knee, will even turn up as a spectator at a tournament he won sensationally last year with five birdies off the last seven holes.

Still, "golf in Dubai", the organisers, have confirmed that an all–star cast, including past winners, will be present to partake in festivities at the Emirates Golf Club when the tournament gets underway on January 26.

Top names like Ernie Els, winner in 1994, 2002 and 2005, Dubai–based pair Henrik Stenson (2007) and Thomas Bjorn (2001) as well asn Mark O'Meara (2004) are expected, and Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, the vice–chairman and CEO of 'golf in Dubai', says his tournament has a "unique global look to it".

"Though the Dubai Desert Classic is a European Tour event, the field will once again have this unique global look to it, with players from each continent competing for honours," he said.

"We've never sold our tournament keeping an individual player in mind. We have players from all over the world competing; our 'golf in Dubai' ambassadors, Mark O'Meara, Ernie Els, Jeev Milkha Singh, Colin Montgomery, Thomas Bjorn and others will be present to make the field a strong one.

"Of course Woods will be missed because he is the world's top–ranked player, but the Dubai Desert Classic has its own identity," Bu Amim insisted.

"We are hoping that Woods attends the tournament and of course we'd have liked to see him fully–fit and teeing off, but that's entirely up to him and his doctor," he said.

"Tiger is building golf courses here in the UAE, so he could be present if he decides to make one of his course visits during that time."

A 120–man field will compete for the $2.5 million (Dh9.18 million) prize fund on offer this year.

Bu Amim said the tournament had grown in stature to become well known as "The Jewel in the Crown" of the European Tour.

"It will be a classic week when we will truly underline how Dubai has grown to become one of the world's most exciting golfing destinations," he said.