To a golf fan or not, the Omega Dubai Desert Classic is a tent pole of the UAE’s sporting calendar. The world’s best golfers, the best weather and plenty of activities to go with it. What’s not to like? In fact, before you answer that we have put together FIVE reasons to convince you why to should be heading along with weekend.
[For a chance to WIN a pair of tickets click here]
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1. Tiger returns
Around a year and a half ago today, Tiger Woods’ career as a professional golfer seemed in serious danger, but when it comes to Tiger, we always have faith he will return back to original form, simply because he is too good to watch. His prospects are now not nearly as dire as they were a year and a half ago and the man is slowly getting back on track, with a few starts on the PGA Tour already this season. Last month on announcing that he will return to the ODDC, the event got even better. Woods will be returning for the eighth time to the ODDC, not only in hope for an appearance fee but in hope for a solid result, he has previously had some serious success on the Majilis course. 2 wins, tied 2nd, tied 3rd and tied 5th. Let’s hope some Deja-vu kicks in on the first tee and results in some vintage Tiger form.
2. It creates major champions
Last year, Danny Willet clutched the ODDC title by one shot over runners up, Rafa Cabrera Bello and Andy Sullivan. What happened later that year? He went on to win the Masters Championship, his first ever major. That’s not all. Tiger Woods has previously won the Desert Classic twice, in 2006 and in 2008. In 2006 he followed his Dubai triumph with two major championship wins by clutching The PGA Championship and The Open. Two years down the line after winning the ODDC for the second time, he went on to win the US Open for the third time. If you want to place a bet with inconceivable odds, bet on this year’s ODDC winner to win a major this year too.
3. It’s a pretty special course
Among all the courses played on the European Tour each year, the Majilis is a course that stands as one of the best. In 2009 the layout was ranked in the world’s top 100 courses by Golf Digest and in 2012 it was ranked among the world’s top 100 courses by Golf World Magazine. And it isn’t just the critiques who like it, US Open winner Justin Rose considers the par 4 – 8th to be among his top nine favourite holes.
4. A food truck village?!
For those of you who see this as a more social event, we are sure this is where you will be spending most of your time. Filled with food trucks, the village will offer different cuisines from restaurants such as Burger Fuel, 800 Pizza, Shawarma Station, Girders Garden and more. Brace yourselves, it’s going to be an unhealthy weekend. Golf can sometimes be quite slow, so if you are in need of an adrenaline rush Adventure HQ has got you covered, within the village they will have trampolines and a rock climbing wall. Lastly, don’t worry if the wind picks up and your hair is annoying you because Julian’s Hairdressing is giving complimentary hair and beard trims. For the ladies, Vaniday will be giving complimentary nail and massage services.
5. A good chance to watch some good golf
Golfing fans who have watched popular PGA Tour events on TV will know that the crowds seem unbearable, you can’t see the ball roll on puts and your chance of being on the front row of the ropes to watch people tee off is around about 0. At the ODDC if you get down early on any of the days, you can actually see some of the best golfers in the world, in action, playing every shot. We recommend following them around the course, from hole to hole.
The Omega Dubai Desert Classic will take place from February 2 to 5. Tickets can be bought here
