Rory McIlroy Goes Back To Work In Duabi Next Week

Sep 27, 2014; Auchterarder, Perthshire, SCT; European golfer Rory McIlroy hits a shot out of the 16th fairway during day two of the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Resort – PGA Centenary Course. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

After finishing as a Bridesmaid in his last three outing on the European Tour, Rory McIlroy takes his game to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic next week. The world’s number one came close at the DP World Tours Championship, Dubai at the end of the 2014 season, the Alfred Dunhill Championship, and last weeks Adu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, but no cigars, only three runner-ups.

McIlroy comes back to Dubai this week, and is looking to repeat his 2009 win at the Emirates Golf Course where he held off Justin Rose, and Henrik Stenson for his first European Tour title. Both the 25 year-old super-star, and Stenson play well in Dubai, and should be a factor next week.

More from European tour

The Omega Dubai Desert Classic is played at a different venue than the tour championship, which is contested at the Jumeriah Estates, but the duo always do well on either of the two Dubai courses.

Rory sat out last weeks tournament in Qatar, but is ready to go for the last stop on the European Tours, Desert Swing.

Forty year-old Scot, Stephen Gallacher has won this tournament in both of the last two years. He held off Emiliano Grillo from Argentina in 2014 for his third win on the European Tour. Gallacher beat South African, Richard Sterne in 2013 by three shots.

Gallacher joined Tiger Woods as the only two-time winner of the Desert Classic, since its inaugural season in 1989, but both are still one shy of three-time champ, Ernie Els. The “Big Easy” will return this year with his short putter, and look for win number four.

"“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Els, whowas inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. “I love the Middle East and there’s no doubt it’ll be a great experience forall of the players. I know it has been a long time since I won last in Dubai, but I’m quite excited about my game, especially at the start of a new season,” Aug 31, 2014; Norton, MA, USA; Ernie Els watches his tee shot on the 8th hole during the third round of the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament at TPC of Boston. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports“I think everyone knows I love playing in Dubai. I like the lines off the tees and the greens are quite soft so if you get your ball up, you can shoot some good scores,” said Els, who is a whopping 169-under- par for the 48 rounds he has played at the Majlis course in his 13 appearances."

Ernie won in 1994, 2002, and 2006.

Rory sat out last weeks tournament in Qatar, but is ready to go for the final stop on the European Tours, Desert Swing.

The field at The 2015 Omega Dubai Desert Classic will not include Tiger Woods, but will have a nice field that features 14 of the top 50 players in the world of which three are in the top ten.

Rory McIlroy and Henrick Stenson lead the field, and will be joined by number five, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer at 12, who will be looking to avenge his meltdown in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago, and the Race To Dubai points leader, Danny Willett.

Visit EuropeanTour.com for a complete entry list.

The Omega Dubai Desert Classic gets underway in The United Arab Enirates on Thursday, January 29th, and finish up on Sunday, February 1st.

The Emirates Golf Course was designed by Peter Harradine, and opened in 1996. It is a par 72 layout that plays to just over 7300 yards. The course is loaded with water hazards, and the Bermuda 419 over seeded with Poa Trivialis greens usually run 11’6″ to 12″ on the Stimpmeter.

This is an event loaded with a world-class field, and is a nice wrap-up to the 2015 Desert Swing!

Source: EuropeanTour.com

Next: Branden Grace Wins Shootout At Qatar Masters

Home/European tour