Retiring Iben Tinning hopes for strong finish at Dubai Ladies masters

Denmark’s top golfer Iben Tinning is determined to call time on her competitive career with a strong finish at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters when the season-ending Ladies European Tour events gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club from December 6 to 11.

The former European number one has decided to retire from the game to “balance life in family” after spending 12 years on the tour and chose Dubai for her swansong following in the footsteps of Annika Sorenstam who had also played her last competitive event in Dubai before calling it quits.

“It’s a judicious decision as I have planned it for over a year,” said the 36-year-old who has been fighting a chronic hip injury that has caused her considerable pain for several years.

“I am looking primarily for a balanced life with my family. It will be nice to get a little peace of mind and not be under pressure every week although it is surely something I will miss,” said the five-time tournament winner ahead of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters that features a strong field led by defending champion In-Kyung Kim, seasoned Laura Davies and charismatic Michelle Wie.

“My career ending has actually been planned for over a year and stems from several factors. Being with the family is the most important one and it was getting harder and harder to leave home,” said the four four-time Solheim Cup star, who won the Ladies European Tour’s Henderson Money List in 2005.

“In addition, I have not played a round of golf or taken a single step recently without pain in my hip, and it has hindered my game. Since my hip operation two years ago, my body has simply been worn out."

From 184 tournaments played, Tinning has recorded 58 top ten finishes and earned €1,282,413 on the Ladies European Tour. She will hope to improve on those statistics with a podium finish at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, where she enjoys a strong record.

She has three top-ten finishes from four starts at the event, having placed seventh there in 2006, been runner-up to Annika Sorenstam in 2007 and tied for fifth in 2008.

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of ‘golf in DUBAi’, paid tributes to the retiring Dane, describing her as a role model and a great ambassador of the game. “She still remains the most celebrated and accomplished tour player in Denmark.

“We look forward to welcoming her to Dubai and I hope her last competitive appearance will be an event to remember. I wish her all the best.”