Fiercely-competitive Suzann Pettersen has signed up for the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, raising the prospects of an intriguing showdown with defending champion Shanshan Feng at Emirates Golf Club from December 7-10.
The Norwegian veteran golfer will have an extra spring in her step as she will be seeking to set the record straight against Feng after finishing runner-up to the Chinese ace at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia in October this year.
Pettersen, a two-time major winner, will be making her maiden appearance in the season-ending Ladies European Tour event, and the 15-time champion on the LPGA Tour (seven wins on Ladies European Tour) was looking forward to the occasion.
“It will be fun playing Dubai, a city I have heard many good things from fellow players and know the tournament attracts a very strong field each year,” said the 35-year-old Norwegian.
“It will feel nice to have my name written on a famous trophy, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself and will take things as they come. It would take something special to beat the challenge, but I will try my best and see what happens.”
Popularly known by her nickname Tutta, Pettersen reached a career-high No. 2 in the world rankings after her victory in the Evian Championship in 2013 and held that position several times, most recently from August 2011 until February 2012.
Shanshan Feng.
With eight top-10 finishes in 20 starts, Pettersen enjoyed a solid 2016 season on the LPGA, but insisted her game turned around during the Olympics where she finished solo 10th on seven-under.
“It’s taken a while for me to wake up. But I feel like I’m swinging the best I’ve done all year. My putting is getting better. I switched to oldstyle putter. So I feel like I’m back to some good grooves on the putting,” she told the LPGA website recently.
“The Olympics is kind of where my body showed up and was excited to play. So it’s always nice when you have the desire of wanting to play well and feeling good and feeling good about your game as well.”
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organizers of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Suzann, an exceptionally talented golfer who is a true a global ambassador for women’s golf and a tireless worker for charity.
“She remains a popular figure with fans all over the world and deservedly receives a huge reception when her name is announced on the first tee. We really look forward to seeing her play in Dubai.”
