European Number One Ernie Els has confirmed his entry for the 2004 Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club from March 4-7, joining World Number One Tiger Woods in an impressive field.
"With Els and Woods in the line-up I think it's safe to say that the tournament will be the biggest and best in its 15-year history," Mohammed Ali Alabbar, chairman of the organising committee, said on Wednesday.
For World Number Three Els, it is a return to familiar territory. He is the only man to have won two Desert Classic titles (1994 and 2002) and holds the course record with a 61.
"I think everyone knows I love playing in Dubai," Els said. "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."
Winner of three Majors Championships and the 2003 Volvo Order of Merit, Els looked on course to claim a third Dubai crown last March until overhauled by a brilliant final round 65 by Dutchman Robert Jan Derksen.
