World Number One Tiger Woods has confirmed he will be returning to Dubai to compete in the Dubai Desert Classic, to be held at the Emirates Golf Club from January 29 to February 3, 2008.
The 2006 champion will be making his fifth appearance in Dubai -- a city where he and his design company are developing a 7,800-yard, par 72 course called Al Ruwaya in Dubailand, the region's largest tourism and leisure project.
Woods, who first appeared in the Dubai Desert Classic in 2001, finished tied third in the 2007 edition of The European Tour event, two shots adrift off eventual winner Dubai-based Henrik Stenson of Sweden.
"I always enjoy visiting Dubai –- it’s an extremely hospitable place where the people and the tournament organisers treat the players so well,” he said.
“The level of competition is always extremely high; so I know I’ll have to play my best golf if I’m going to win the title again. But it’s a great venue, the course is always in immaculate condition and the weather reminds me of back home in Florida,” said Woods.
'golf in DUBAI' – the promoters and organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic – were equally delighted to welcome Woods back in Dubai. "We are naturally delighted and proud that Tiger Woods has agreed to join us for the 2008 Dubai Desert Classic,” said Mohamed Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI.
“Having the world’s greatest golfer play in your event is something many tournament organisers dream of; so for us to be able to welcome him to the Majlis Course for the fifth time in eight years is a major boost for golf in the Middle East, especially Dubai.
“We are also looking forward to revealing other major names in the weeks ahead,” he added.
‘golf in DUBAI’ is backed by Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the main partner and Emirates-NBD, Emaar, Jumeirah Hotels, Emirates airline, BMW, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Gulf News, Omega and CNN as partners in its drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
