Ernie Els has decided to start his new season with a return to his favourite hunting ground – at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, where he is the most successful player in the 25-year history of the tournament by winning it three times already.
Els will join a star-studded field headlined by world No1 Tiger Woods, Europe’s newly-crowned champion Henrik Stenson and former world No1 Rory McIlroy among other former winners when the region’s first European Tour event returns from January 30.
It was Els’ emphatic six-shot victory at the 1994 edition of the event – his first on the European Tour – that launched the South African into world stardom.
Since that maiden triumph, Els, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’ for his effortless swing, has evolved into one of the most decorated golfers in the world.
Making his debut in Dubai in 1994, Els wasted no time in seizing the early initiative with a sizzling 11-under-par 61, a number that has stood the test of time as the course record at Majlis course.
Eight years later in 2002, Els triumphed again, and then added a third title in 2005 after a dramatic eagle on the final hole carried him past Stephen Dodd and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Els said: “It feels great to return to a course where you have enjoyed some success. I think everyone knows I love playing in Dubai. “I like the lines off the tees on the Majlis and the greens are very nice and receptive.
“It will be fun to be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the tournament. Obviously I will be looking to win the event again,” said Els who is 169-under-par for the 46 rounds he has played at Majlis (he has missed the cut only once in his 12 appearances).
