Woods and McIlroy set for Dubai duel at the 25th Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods will aim to continue their remarkable records in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic when they tee up alongside defending champion Stephen Gallacher during the first two rounds of the US$2.5 million tournament, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this week.
The duo boast three victories and six top ten finishes in a combined 13 appearances, with Woods having contributed two wins to McIlroy’s one.
Since securing his maiden European Tour title at Emirates Golf Club four years ago, courtesy of a superb up and down from the bunker over the back of the 18th green, McIlroy has risen to superstar status thanks chiefly to his brace of Major victories.
But the Omega Dubai Desert Classic will always hold particular resonance for the World Number Seven.
He said: “The Dubai Desert Classic has always been a tournament that I’ve liked to come and play. I played twice as an amateur here, in ‘06 and ‘07, so the organisers were very good to me in giving me those invites, and it was fitting in a way that I won my first tournament here as a pro in ‘09.
“So obviously whenever you come back to a place where you’ve had a win like that, you’re going to have fond memories. It’s nice to come back – I missed it when I didn’t play last year.
“The course is in great shape, as it always is. It’s shaping up to be a great week, especially as it’s the 25th anniversary this year.”
Unlike McIlroy, who finished in a tie for second place in Abu Dhabi on his last appearances, Woods is on something of a recovery mission after shooting a 79 to miss the cut at Torrey Pines last week.
But the World Number One has consigned that blip to history after an improvement in his ball-striking in the Wednesday Pro-Am
.
He said: “I hit it a lot better today, which was nice. I feel like I even putted a lot better, too. I made a few changes on the range last night, and felt pretty good about what I was doing out there today.
“The aim is just to improve every day. Tuesday was better than Monday, and Wednesday was better than Tuesday. So hopefully tomorrow will be even better than today.”
Gallacher completes the marque three-ball, who will tee off at 8.05am local time from the tenth tee.
The Scot, who won by three shots from South African Richard Sterne 12 months ago, is relishing the prospect of going head to head with two of the very best in the business.
“You want to be playing the top guys,” he said. “They’re up there for a reason, so if there’s anything that you can pick up on or just watch how they play their game, and see if their game is close to yours, that can give you a bit of a boost. I’m really looking forward to it, and hopefully it brings the best out of me.”
Photo: Getty
