Tiger Woods to play 2003 Dubai Desert Classic

The World's Number One golfer Tiger Woods has confirmed he will compete in the 2003 Dubai Desert Classic.

The news that Woods will head the line-up of stars at the Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course from March 6-9, 2003 was confirmed by the Dubai Desert Classic Executive Committee, the tournament's organisers and promoters. It will be the second time in three years that the 26-year-old American superstar has taken part in the Dubai tournament and is a major boost for the Middle East's biggest sporting occasion, now in its 14th year.

Mohammed Ali Alabbar, Dubai Desert Classic Executive Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman of Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), the tournament's major sponsor, is understandably delighted to have secured the signature of the world's most famous sportsman for a second time. 

"We've worked hard on this for a long time and there's been a lot of discussion but I am absolutely delighted to announce that Tiger Woods will be joining us for the 2003 Dubai Desert Classic," he said. 

"He is without doubt the greatest player in the world - possibly the greatest ever - and we are honoured and thrilled that he has agreed to return next year. It is a magnificent boost for Dubai and is a tribute to how much he enjoyed his stay with us in 2001."

The winner of eight major championship titles - three Masters Tournaments, two US Open Championships, two USPGA Championships and the 2000 Open Golf Championship - Woods has won 45 tournaments worldwide and, with his second Masters victory in 2001, became the first golfer ever to hold all four professional Major Championships at the same time.

A recognized face wherever he goes, the World Number One admits he is looking forward to a second visit to the Middle East. "It's taken us two years to get around my schedules and confirm that return trip to Dubai," said Woods. "Now it's confirmed, I'm really looking forward to getting back there and meeting up with the thousands of golf fans who gave me such a great reception and treated me so well last year."

On that last trip to Dubai, "Tiger Fever" gripped the emirate. For the first time in the event's history, tickets sold out well in advance. Yet despite enjoying the lead for most of the tournament and setting a new record for 36-holes, Woods ended up losing out on the 72nd hole to Denmark's Thomas Björn and had to settle for a share of second place with Padraig Harrington of Ireland.

One month after that defeat, Woods went on to win the 2001 Masters Tournament at Augusta National and become the first player in history to hold all the majors at the same time. This year he added the Masters title and the US Open Championship to his growing list of majors' successes, finished second in the US PGA Championship and recently took fourth place in the World Golf Championships - NEC Invitational.

To be staged at the stunning Emirates Golf Club on the outskirts of Dubai, the Dubai Desert Classic regularly attracts the cream of European golf. In March this year, South African World Number Three, Ernie Els, won the title for the second time. Former winners of the event - first staged in 1989 - include Colin Montgomerie, Seve Ballesteros, José Maria Olazábal and Fred Couples.

Mohammed Buamim, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Club and vice-chairman of the Dubai Desert Classic Executive Committee, said the news of Woods' commitment to the Desert Classic would be a great boost for golf in the UAE. 

"Getting Tiger Woods to play in the Classic again will mean the eyes of the sporting world will be on the Emirates next spring," he said. "The organizers and the Government of Dubai should be congratulated for managing to secure Tiger's participation in 2003."

Nick Tarratt, Tournament Manager for the Dubai Desert Classic, said the confirmation of Tiger Woods' involvement in 2003 is set to make the event the biggest in its 14-year history. 

"This will be the first of many announcements regarding the 2003 Dubai Desert Classic and we will be looking to announcing further news of big name players and prize-money details in the weeks and months ahead. With Tiger confirmed, we have also signed up our loyal supporters and confirmed some new sponsors. We are now anticipating a great deal of interest from the business community in the sponsorship packages we have prepared for the event. "

Besides DUBAL as the main sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic other sponsors include official carrier Emirates Airline, official caterer, hotel and challenge match sponsor Jebel Ali Hotel and Golf Resort, and co-sponsors Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.