Richard Green looking for second Dubai Desert title
BY iseekgolf.com | European PGA Tour | 2005 Dubai Desert Classic | Preview | 02 Mar 2005
The focus of the golfing world will centre on Dubai again this week when players from across the globe descend on the magnificent Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club for the 16th staging of the Dubai Desert Classic.
Mark O’Meara will defend his title and will be challenged by a field of 12 Australasians, including 2004 MasterCard Masters Champion, Richard Green.
Green is no stranger to the Dubai course where he famously won the title in a play-off with Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam in 1997. Victorian Green became the first left hander to win on the European Tour since Bob Charles in 1974 with the victory.
Green will be keen to emulate the win as he has is currently in 50th position on the Official World Golf Rankings and will hope to stay or improve his position to remain in contention for the US Masters. Green falls into the category of the 50 leaders on the Official World Golf Ranking published during the week prior to the 2005 Masters Tournament. The Masters will be held at Augusta from April 4-11.
Joining Green in Dubai are Australians Brett Rumford, Greg Norman, Jarrod Lyle, David Mckenzie, Paul Sheehan, Marcus Fraser, Terry Price, Peter Fowler, Brad Kennedy, Wade Ormsby and New Zealand’s Stephen Scahill.
Adding to the challenge for the Australian contingent will be the presence of World Number 3, South African Ernie Els. Like Green, Els is one of seven former champions lining up for the $2.2 million prize pool. Past champions also playing this week are Thomas Björn (2001), Robert-Jan Derksen (2003), David Howell (1999), Colin Montgomerie (1996) and O’Meara.
Source – PGA Tour
Photo – Anthony Powter
