Els to face Tiger in Dubai Desert Classic

BY iseekgolf.com | European PGA Tour | 2004 Dubai Desert Classic | General | 01 Jan 2004

South African superstar Ernie Els confirmed he would go head-to-head with world number one Tiger Woods when the 2004 Dubai Desert Classic is staged at the Emirates Golf Club from March 4-7 2004.

The welcome news means the Dubai Aluminium-sponsored tournament has successfully landed the game’s biggest two names and will almost certainly result in a sell-out when tickets go on sale to the public within the next few days.

“With Ernie Els and Tiger Woods in the line-up I think it’s safe to say that the tournament will be the biggest and best in it’s 15-year history,” said a delighted HE Mohammed Ali Alabbar, Chairman of the Dubai Desert Classic Executive Committee, organisers and promoters of the event. “It seems fitting they should come together in Dubai in a year when we celebrate our 15th anniversary and offer the largest prize-money fund in the Classic’s history.”

Although there will be around 150 other professionals playing for the prestigious trophy and a winner’s cheque for US$333,330, such is the global popularity of Woods and Els that all eyes will be on the big two as they take on the famous Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club.

For Els, it’s 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 sizzling 61 – and to a tournament he clearly relishes. Speaking after confirming his entry for the US$2 million event, Els said, "I think everyone knows I love playing in Dubai.

“The people there know how to organise and run a great tournament and the course is one of the best on the European Tour. 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 and 2003 PGA European Tour Order of Merit number one, Els looked on course to claim a third Classic crown last March until a stunning final round by Dutchman Robert Jan Derksen ended his chances.

“I thought I played well but there’s not much you can do when a guy comes out of the pack like Robert did,” added the towering South African. “It would have meant a lot to retain the title as you always want to keep going but it wasn’t to be.”

Looking ahead to 2004 and the prospect of taming the Tiger in Dubai, Els knows he is in for his customary tough fight with the American.

“Can I win the tournament for a third time? Well I’m certainly going to give it my best shot. It’s going to be a fun event with Tiger in the field and you can rest assured he’ll be very competitive. He’s always in the hunt and a factor every week, which is the mark of the true champion that he is.”

Source – Dubai Golf