Former world No 1 and four-time major winner Ernie Els has confirmed his place at the 2016 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Els, the only player to win the Dubai title three times, has fond memories of the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, where he holds the course record of 61, shot during the opening round of his first European Tour victory in 1994.
The South African won his second Desert Classic title in 2002 and sealed his third three years later when he shot an eagle at 18 in the final round to usurp Miguel Angel Jimenez and Stephen Dodd for the trophy.
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In 14 appearances at the Desert Classic, Els holds a 172-under-par score from 52 rounds played.
“It feels great to return to a course where you have enjoyed some success,” Els said. “I think everyone knows I love playing in Dubai.
“On the Majlis Course, I like the lines off the tees and the greens are quite soft so if you get your ball up, you can shoot some good scores. It will be fun to be competing in the tournament. Obviously, I will be looking to win the event again.”
Taking place on February 4-7, the Desert Classic represents the third leg of the Desert Swing after the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the Qatar Masters.
World No 3 Rory McIlroy, world No 7 Henrik Stenson, and world No 13 Louis Oosthuizen will also be competing, alongside former world No 1 Lee Westwood, 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell, and two-time major winner Martin Kaymer.
“We are delighted to welcome our only three-time champion back in Dubai. Ernie is a true champion and a great friend of Dubai,” said Mohammed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and chief executive of Golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic.
“We have a very strong field for the 27th edition of the event and I’m sure the fans are in for a real feast of golf with all the drama and emotions unfolding on the course.”
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