Els to return to happy hunting ground of Dubai

Four-time major winner Ernie Els will attempt to win a fourth Omega Dubai Desert Classic title after committing on Tuesday to play in the 25th anniversary event at Emirates Golf Club.

The winner of a record three Dubai titles will join a field headlined by world No 1 Tiger Woods, Europe’s newly crowned champion Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy and other former winners of the European Tour event starting on January 30.

The South African said he believes the course suits him and feels optimistic of adding to the titles he has already claimed in 1994, 2002 and 2005.

“It feels great to return to a course where you have enjoyed some success,” he said.

“I think everyone knows I love playing in Dubai. 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.

“It will be fun to be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the tournament. Obviously, I will be looking to win the event again.”

Els is 169-under par during 46 career rounds at the Majlis Course. The South African, 44, has missed the cut only once in his 12 appearances.

He first made his mark in Dubai in 1994, winning by six shots for his first success on the European Tour. The catalyst for that success was an 11-under opening round of 61, which included 12 birdies, setting a course record that still stands.

Eight years later in 2002, Els triumphed to claim his second title in Dubai. His love affair with the Majlis continued in 2005 after making a clutch eagle on the final hole, which carried him past Welshman Stephen Dodd and Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez by a shot.

Els has had some heartache, too, finishing second in 2003, 2006 and 2007.

“We are delighted to welcome our only three-time champion back in Dubai. Ernie is a true champion and a great friend of Dubai,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and chief executive of Golf in Dubai, the event organisers.

“We have an incredibly strong field for the 25th edition of the event, and I’m sure the fans are in for a real feast of golf with all the drama and emotions on the course.”

Els’s work will begin the day before the opening round, however, as he and the other past Dubai winners will take part in a Champions Challenge event, an 18-hole stroke-play event, with US$600,000 (Dh2.2 million) at stake.

sports@thenational.ae