The Omega Dubai Desert Classic takes place at Emirates Golf Club this week, showcasing some of the biggest names in golf. Here is everything you need to know.
What is it?
Now in its 28th staging, the tournament was for a long time referred to as the “Major of the Middle East”. The final stop on the European Tour’s three-legged Desert Swing, it follows on from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Qatar Masters. This week’s prize fund stands at US$2.65 million (Dh9.7m). Tournament days are Thursday to Sunday (February 2-5).
Who is playing?
Even without two-time champion and world No 2 Rory McIlroy – a late withdrawal – the event still packs some serious star power. Tiger Woods is the obvious big draw, given the 14-time major champion’s standing in the game. The American will tee it up alongside Henrik Stenson, at world No 4 the highest-ranked player in the field, while defending champion Danny Willett, Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell all feature. Dubai-based amateur Rayhan Thomas also takes part.
Past champions
Willett, the reigning Masters champion, is attempting to become only the second player to retain the Coffee Pot trophy after Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher triumphed in 2014. Ernie Els is the event’s only three-time winner – 1994, 2002 and 2005 – while Gallacher, McIlroy and Woods have all lifted the title twice. McIlroy’s 2009 victory was his first win on the European Tour. Overall, the roll of honour contains some heavy hitters, including Stenson, Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Fred Couples and Jose Maria Olazabal.
Tickets
Daily tickets for the four days of competition are priced at Dh175. A season pass, which provides access all week, including Wednesday’s Pro Am day, is available for Dh675. Single tickets for the Pro Am cost Dh75. Those age 18 and under will be allowed free entry to the course if they are accompanied by an adult who is holding a valid ticket for the day. Hospitality packages are also available. For more information visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com.
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