Lee Westwood at Dubai Desert Classic

Lee Westwood is looking for some glory in the Dubai Desert Classic

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Lee Westwood is looking for some glory in the Dubai desert

 

Edited by Anand Datla

 

Lee Westwood will be hoping to snap his run of near misses at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic when the former world number one tees it up at Emirates Golf Club later this month.

 

Fresh from picking up his second win of 2014 at the Thailand Golf Championship in December, Westwood returns to Dubai in buoyant mood as he joins a strong field, with the likes of defending champion Stephen Gallacher and world number two Henrik Stenson, also vying for the iconic Arabian coffee pot-shaped trophy.

 

Westwood came tantalizingly close to winning the tournament in 2012, but missed a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole, settling for second – the same position the 41-year-old occupied in 1999 and 2010.

 

Judging by how well the Worksop native has played the third event on the desert swing over the years, on the way to recording eight top-ten finishes there, it might just be history deferred.

 

“I have always enjoyed playing in this tournament. It’s a big event that attracts some of the world’s leading players each year. Hopefully, I will be able to get the job done this time,” said the Englishman, who is one of the few golfers who has won tournaments on every major continent, including victories on the European Tour and the PGA Tour.

 

“I know the (Majlis) course well, and it’s a good golf course. They set it up great. I know my game is good enough to win when I play well enough. That’s what I try to do. After that it’s out of your hands. All I can do is keep getting into contention.”

 

With 41 professional wins, including 23 on the European Tour, Westwood will start as one of the favourites to win the longest-running European Tour event in the region, which starts on January 29.

 

“You have to be at your best if you aim to succeed against a deeply talented field. The plan is the same – just to go out there and enjoy it,” said the Ryder Cup star.

 

“If you look at the tournament’s roll of honour, it includes so many great names and that’s a tribute to the growing profile of the event.”  Westwood has been a regular visitor to Dubai since making his first appearance in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 1994.

 

His consistent performances and notable finishes have won the two-time Harry Vardon Trophy winner plenty of admirers in the region.  “Lee is a wonderful guy in every way and is a great ambassador of golf,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai.

 

“He has been competing regularly in our tournament since 1994 and that amply reflects on the bonds we share which is greater than just friendship,” he said.  “His presence brings special energy to any tournament. We look forward to welcoming Lee and wish him the very best.”

 

Source: European Tour

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