Ahead of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic next week, John McAuley provides the lowdown on the European Tour event. Note: More information will be added as it is released.
EVENT:
Omega Dubai Desert Classic, February 4-7, Emirates Golf Club.
WHAT IS IT:
Labelled the ‘Major of the Middle East’, the tournament is the longest-running and final event on the three-legged Desert Swing, which also comprises the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the Qatar Masters. Established in 1989, its purse stands at $2.65 million (Dh9.73m).
Read more: Henrik Stenson relies on course knowledge ahead of tilt at Desert Classic title
WHO’S PLAYING:
Rory McIlroy leads the field again this year, as the four-time major champion returns to the tournament that remains close to his heart. McIlroy is defending champion, having cruised to a three-shot victory 12 months ago — his second win at the event. The Desert Classic provided the Northern Irishman with his first professional triumph, back in 2009. McIlroy will be up against another strong field next week, with world No 6 Henrik Stenson seeking a second Desert Classic title, while two-time major champion Martin Kaymer and rising star Matt Fitzpatrick are also competing. Bryson DeChambeau, the colourful American amateur, makes his debut.
PAST CHAMPIONS:
As mentioned, McIlroy is a multiple winner on the Majlis course, alongside Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and Stephen Gallacher. Els is the only three-time champion, winning in 1994, 2002 and 2005, and returns next week in an attempt to capture a first professional victory in almost three years. Other notable winners of the Desert Classic include Seve Ballesteros (1992), Fred Couples (1995), Colin Montgomerie (1996), Jose Maria Olazabal (1998), Thomas Bjorn (2001), Mark O’Meara (2004), Stenson (2007) and Miguel Angel Jimenez (2010). Woods, the 14-time major champion, got his hands on the famous coffee pot trophy in 2006 and 2008.
Read more: Ernie Els joins Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson at 2016 Dubai Desert Classic
TICKET INFO:
Tickets start from Dh75 for Wednesday's Pro-Am, then are Dh175 for each day of the tournament. A season pass (Wednesday to Sunday) is available for Dh675. Golf Citizen users receive a 10 per cent discount. Corporate hospitality packages begin from Dh695. For more information, go to www.dubaidesertclassic.com/tickets
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