A confident Henrik Stenson will rely on his impressive run of form and his extensive “local knowledge” when he tees up in the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club from January 29 to February 1.
The ‘golf in DUBAi’ ambassador signed off 2008 in style, storming to a massive nine-shot victory in the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa, just a week after he partnered Robert Karlsson to victory at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China.
“It’s been a solid year for me and I'm really happy with the win in South Africa - it's a fantastic way to finish the season,” said the 32-year-old Swede who posted nine top-10 finishes, including a share of third at The Open Championship, during the year.
Now ranked Seventh in the world, Stenson is hoping to carry the same form into the next year, and winning the Dubai Desert Classic figures quite high on his priority list. “This is one tournament every player on the European Tour wants to win, at least once.
“I have been competing in the Dubai Desert Classic since 2001 and know how well it is organized. It has always attracted a very strong field, and that’s one reason why Dubai is considered to be an important stop on the European Tour,” said Stenson, who himself had won the event in 2007 beating a star-studded field which included world number one Tiger Woods.
“I’m not sure whether Tiger is coming to defend his title, but everyone else will be there and the competition will be as tough as ever,” said the Dubai-based Swede.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi said: "It feels good when Henrik says he considers the Dubai Desert Classic his second 'home' tournament and his presence will once again bolster the star cast. We look forward to seeing some quality golf from him during the tournament."
