Henrik Stenson won the 2007 Omega Dubai Desert Classic and is aiming for similar success next week. Courtesy: Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Henrik Stenson won the 2007 Omega Dubai Desert Classic and is aiming for similar success next week. Courtesy: Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Henrik Stenson relies on Majlis course knowledge ahead of tilt at Dubai Desert Classic title



World No 5 Henrik Stenson will be looking to take advantage of a Majlis course he knows “inside out” when he competes at the 2016 Omega Dubai Desert Classic next week.

Stenson, 39, won the Dubai Desert Classic in 2007, holding off the challenge of South African Ernie Els to clinch the title by one shot, a victory made all the more special for the presence in the field of Tiger Woods.

The Swede will return to the Emirates Golf Club for the February 4-7 tournament after opting to skip the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters to rest the knee he recently had surgery on.

Despite the enforced layoff for Doha, Stenson will enter the Dubai Desert Classic in fine form having finished tied third at last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

“It feels nice to get back to a golf course where you have played a number of times,” Stenson said. “I like the course because it has very good variation. You don’t get tired of playing on the course. You can play over and over again — and still it’s fun to play.

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“There are not too many courses I know better than the Majlis. I feel like I know this course inside out, and had the success in 2007 and another couple of high finishes. So, it’s a really enjoyable week for me in Dubai.”

Stenson maintains a special relationship with Dubai and was a long-term resident of the emirate before moving full-time to the United States.

“We are delighted to welcome back our former champion, who is a great friend of Dubai and one who enjoys a tremendous fan following here,” Golf in DUBAi CEO Mohamed Juma Buamaim said.

“If Henrik has been one of the most sought-after players on the tour, it is because of hard work and total dedication to the game. His presence will certainly bring special energy to any tournament. I wish him the very the best and hope he has a great year with the 2016 Olympics on the horizon.”

Stenson will be joined by a highly competitive field at the Dubai Desert Classic, including world No 3 Rory McIlroy, 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, world No 19 Danny Willett, and two-time major winner Martin Kaymer.

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His favourite book - 1984 by George Orwell

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Favourite movie - The Last Emperor

Favourite personality from history - Alexander the Great

Role Model - My father, Yiannis Davos

 

 

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