Woods and others to skip Middle East events

BY iseekgolf.com | European PGA Tour | 2003 Dubai Desert Classic | General | 03 Mar 2003

World number one Tiger Woods will not play in next week’s Dubai Desert Classic but has confirmed that he will play in 2004. Woods, who won his first Accenture World Match Play title this week in the US, said that his decision was based on the current instability in the Middle East region.

Tournament chairman, Mohamed Ali Alabbar said, “While we are disappointed with Tiger’s decision to withdraw from the 2003 Dubai Desert Classic, we are delighted he has immediately confirmed his participation for next year.”

In form South African and world number two, Ernie Els confirmed that he would return to defend his title in Dubai despite rumours that he would join Woods and skip the event.

Adam Scott, who is ranked 45th in the world, has announced that he will not be playing at the Dubai Desert Classic and we will not defend his title at the 2003 Qatar Masters. Others to pull out of the Qatar tournament are Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Paul Lawrie, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood.

Montgomerie and Scott will remain in the US with Montgomerie playing this week’s Ford Championship and Scott playing next week’s Honda Classic.