Westwood targets Dubai glory
Having come close several times, Lee Westwood will be hoping to go one better and win the Dubai Desert Classic later this month.
Westwood came within a 20-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole of winning the tournament in 2012, but ultimately had to settle for second place – just as he did in 1999 and 2010.
The 41-year-old will return to the Emirates Golf Club fresh off a victory at the Thailand Golf Championship in December, and is in a confident mood as he prepares to take on the likes of fellow Ryder Cup stars Henrik Stenson and Stephen Gallacher.
“I have always enjoyed playing in this tournament. It’s a big event that attracts some of the world’s leading players each year. Hopefully, I will be able to get the job done this time,” Westwood told europeantour.com.
“I know the (Majlis) course well, and it’s a good golf course. They set it up great. I know my game is good enough to win when I play well enough. That’s what I try to do. After that it’s out of your hands. All I can do is keep getting into contention.”
Westwood doesn’t have any special plans for Dubai, but hopes to do more of the same that saw him finish the 2014 season so strongly.
“You have to be at your best if you aim to succeed against a deeply talented field. The plan is the same – just to go out there and enjoy it,” he said.
“If you look at the tournament’s roll of honour, it includes so many great names and that’s a tribute to the growing profile of the event.”
Tournament organisers are also pleased to have the Englishman in attendance.
“Lee is a wonderful guy in every way and is a great ambassador of golf,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai.
“He has been competing regularly in our tournament since 1994 and that amply reflects on the bonds we share which is greater than just friendship.
“His presence brings special energy to any tournament. We look forward to welcoming Lee and wish him the very best.”
Latest
-
NewsVice-captain Graeme McDowell still has hopes of playing in another Ryder Cup
The Northern Irishman will be part of Europe’s bid to retain the trophy at Whistling Straits later this month.
-
NewsFleetwood ready to become villain of the piece as Europe bid to retain Ryder Cup
With coronavirus travel restrictions preventing large numbers of fans travelling, Padraig Harrington’s side are braced for a one-sided atmosphere.
-
NewsKristoffer Broberg ends ‘six years of hell’ with battling victory at Dutch Open
The Swede claimed his second European Tour title after finishing with a 72.
-
NewsIan Poulter: America’s rookies are in for nerve wracking Ryder Cup experience
Half of captain Steve Stricker’s side have never played in the biennial contest before.
-
NewsMcGinley wants Europe’s Ryder Cup players to forget about Koepka/DeChambeau feud
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes attempting to make capital from the spat could backfire.
-
NewsKristoffer Broberg eight shots clear at Dutch Open
The 35-year-old secured the course record at Bernardus Golf.
-
NewsSergio Garcia feeling rested and ready for Ryder Cup after wild card ‘gamble’
The Spaniard has won 25.5 points at the Ryder Cup.
-
NewsSweden’s Kristoffer Broberg holds a narrow halfway lead in the Dutch Open
Nine birdies helped him to a score of 64 in the second round at Bernardus Golf.
-
NewsAny rest for Rory and will practice make US perfect? – Ryder Cup talking points
The United States will be hoping to make the most of home advantage at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsNew-look USA aiming to reclaim Ryder Cup against experienced-packed Europe
Europe are the holders and have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, but United States boast eight of the world’s top 10 players and home advantage.