Henrik Stenson feels some 'home comforts and local knowledge' could come in handy as the long-hitting Swede fancies his chances of regaining the title at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic that gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club from February 4-7.
The Dubai-based Swede inscribed his name on the huge winner’s trophy in 2007, beating a strong field, including Tiger Woods, and came close in 2009, posting a strong third-place finish in the $2.5 million event, promoted and organised by golf in DUBAi.
“If you look at my record at the Classic, that speaks for itself. I have done well because I am quite familiar with the Majlis course having played there a number of times. The key to producing a low score there, I think, depends on how well you putt,” said the 33 year old who began 2010 in style, holing the winning putt as Europe regained the Royal Trophy with a dramatic one point victory over Asia at Thailand's Amata Spring Country Club.
“The greens, sometimes, can be a bit difficult to read and the testing pin could further make life difficult for players. The idea, I feel, is to bring the best of players — and not to punish them. The course has always been in a great shape and it’s a tribute to all the hard work put in by the greenkeepers,” added Stenson, who finished tied 21s at the just-concluded Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
“You need to score under 18 or 19 under to have any chance of visiting the winner’s circle,” said Stenson, who will join a star-studded cast in Dubai that includes Tom Watson, European Number One Lee Westwood and defending champion Rory McIlroy among other big names.
“The finishing holes at the Majlis are quite interesting in the sense that they offer you a realistic chance of picking up three shots. The short par four 17th is a good birdie hole and on the 18th, you can be aggressive and aim for an eagle.
“The Dubai Desert Classic is one of my favourite weeks on the tour and I always look forward to it,” said Stenson. “Overall, I am quite pleased with my game. I am striking the ball well and my short game is in good shape.
“I hope I can the keep the momentum going in Dubai,” said Stenson, who finished tied sixth at the 2009 US PGA Championship, posted another tied sixth place finish at the Mercedes-Benz Championship in September and ended the year in style — finishing a creditable second to Australia's Robert Allenby at the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City after a playoff.
Commented Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi: “Henrik will certainly be a crowd favourite. He is a quality player and boasts a good record in Dubai.
“Like in the previous years, we have a great star cast for this edition of the tournament and it will be interesting to see how the battle unfolds at the Majlis. One thing is for sure: quality golf won’t be in short supply. I wish Henrik and all other players in the field all the best.”
'golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor while BMW, CNN, Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Group, MasterCard and wasl are co-sponsors of the event in its drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
