Robert-Jan Derksen overcomes Els for victory in Dubai
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2003 Dubai Desert Classic | Wrap | 10 Mar 2003
Ernie Els has fallen victim to a relative unknown for the second time in six weeks, when the 29-year-old Dutch golfer Robert-Jan Derksen came from nowhere to snatch victory at the rich Dubai Desert Classic. In late January, Els had seen Ziang Lian Wei claim victory at the last moment in Singapore when the tournament looked his for the taking.
Derksen, who has played both the European Tour and Challenge Tour since 1998, has yet to retain his card in the five years he has played the main tour but he had shown in 2002 that perhaps there was some light at the end of the tunnel. He was 16th at the English Open and 15th at the Italian Open but still it was back to the tour school in November where he finished with a 25th place to regain his card.
His last round 65 including an eagle at the fifteenth and a last hole birdie that set the mark for Els to chase. Els’ double bogey at the twelfth hole looked to have blown any chance at victory but two quick birdies had him within a shot. He was not, however, able to birdie any of the last three holes and the title went to the Dutchman.
Derksen’s victory will open up all sorts of possibilities for the future and, importantly, the comfort of two years exemption on the European Tour. It may be just the confidence and financial boost to turn an ordinary golfer into a very good one.
Ian Woosnam, the improving David Lynn and Scotland’s Alistair Forsyth tied for third.
Interesting to see US-based Korean Kevin Na finishing in a tie sixth as he is a young man of whom much is expected. At just 18-years-old, he is already a winner on the Asian Tour and looks destined to become a very fine player.
The leading Australasian was Jarrod Moseley in 43rd place with Richard Green and Peter Fowler 52nd. Terry Price was the only other Australasian player in the field but he missed the weekend cut.
The European Tour has confirmed that the Qatar Masters will go ahead, however, close to 50 players have withdrawn from the field including defending champion Adam Scott, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Paul Lawrie and Andrew Coltart.
Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Phillip Price will play in the tournament, but with the large number of withdrawals, the field will also include players from the European Challenge Tour.
