Fred Couples tees off at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic later this month, hoping to pick up from where he left off last season when he resumes his quest for more success in 2014.
Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013, Couples rounded out the year on a high note with an emphatic six-shot victory in the Champions Tour’s seasonending Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
“Winning anything, even if it’s a club championship, you’re thrilled,’’ said the 54-year-old American who will join a host of superstars led by world No1 Tiger Woods, European No1 Henrik Stenson and world No6 Rory McIlroy in the landmark 25th anniversary of the event.
One of the hottest stars on the PGA Tour in the 90s, Couples delivered a shining example of his creative talent at the 1995 Omega Dubai Desert Classic when he secured his first win on the European Tour with a bogey-free final round of 66.
For a man who missed the cut the previous year on his debut in Dubai and ended up doing television commentary, the victory held special significance, making him the first American to inscribe his name on the elegant coffee-pot shaped trophy.
“I have such great memories of Dubai and it will be fun to play in a field loaded with excellent worldwide players for the 25th anniversary of the event,” said Couples, who boasts nine victories on the Champions Tour after winning 15 times on the PGA Tour and playing on five Ryder Cup and four Presidents Cup teams.
“I think the Majlis golf course is a good challenge and there should be some exciting play from the great field.
“And for the guys at home, everyone wants to play in Dubai as it has become a very prestigious event on the European Tour,” said the 1992 Masters champion.
“If you look at the tournament’s list of past champions, it includes many great names and that’s a tribute to the growing success of the event,” added Couples.
