Our reporter Paul Radley empties his notebook as the field gives their thoughts after Round 1 of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Alex Noren happy to lead Majlis field ... not that you would know it
Alex Noren might be the Round 1 leader, and the form player around the Majlis Course having been runner-up 12 months ago, too, but you would not have guessed from listening to him. After registering the lowest score of Day 1, a six-under-par 66, the Swede said he was pleased the whole ordeal was finished, and that the course does not suit his game anyway. “I was very happy when it was all over because it did not feel that good warming up,” Noren said. “I like fading the ball off the tee, and this is a drawer’s course. I’m really happy with 66.”
Read more: Five players set to rival McIlroy and Stenson for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic title
Brett Rumford resists urge to follow Dubai Tour
Two huge, inflated cycling shirts placed beside the road adjacent to the Emirates Golf Club were a reminder of the fact the golf is not alone among international sporting attractions in Dubai at the moment. Brett Rumford, the Australian golfer who is an avid cycling fan, would have been happy following the Dubai Tour around. Instead, he was on the fairways, and finished Round 1 tied second with Peter Hanson, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Trevor Fisher Jr on five-under par. He had thought about tracking Bradley Wiggins et al on the eve of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. “That would have been a dream, but obviously not wise the day before a tournament,” Rumford said.
Read more: Rory McIlroy still hopes to meet Tiger 'down the stretch in a major'; talks Ryder Cup, Andy Murray
Trip to the water fails to dampen Ernie Els’s mood
A finishing hole which has given Ernie Els so much joy over the years brought about the only blemish of his opening salvo at this year’s Classic. The six at the par-5 18th, which came about when his approach shot dribbled back into the water in front of the green, still failed to dampen the South African’s enthusiasm after a fine day’s work. “I just love it here,” the three-time winner said, after signing for a four-under-par 68. “Ever since I played here in ‘93, I just kind of started enjoying the place, and it fits my eye. I know we use it a lot, but I just love it here.”
Read more: Three-time Dubai Desert Classic winner Ernie Els says he has got a grip on his putting
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