Dubai Desert Classic History
In 1989 when the European Tour visited the Middle East for the first time, The Omega Dubai Desert Classic was born. The Dubai Desert Classic has a proud tradition of bringing the game's top golfers to Dubai. World class players, such as Fred Couples, Seve Ballesteros, Henrik Stenson, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy and Stephen Gallacher are just a few of the famous names that have participated in the Dubai Desert Classic over the years. Today many of the golfing greats refer to the tournament as one of their favourites on the circuit.
Four players have won the trophy more than once, Rory McIlroy four times, Ernie Els three times, Tiger Woods and Stephen Gallacher twice. The youngest winner is Rory McIlroy, who was only 19 years old when he won in 2009.
Rory McIlroy, Champion in 2009
Many of the world's best golfers say they have a special place in their heart for the Dubai Desert Classic, and Emirates Golf Club.
"I've been travelling to Dubai for almost twenty years and it's become a very special place for me, both personally and professionally. I've made a lot of friends for life; we proudly launched our first Els club in Dubai and obviously to win three times at the Emirates Golf Club represents one of the highlights from my career." - Ernie Els
In 2014 Emirates Golf Club hosted the 25th anniversary of this prestigious tournament. The tournament has been held at Emirates Golf Club on all but two of the events, when it was held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in 1999 and 2000. The Dubai Desert Classic brings the atmosphere of a top ranked professional tournament and every year the Majlis course welcomes thousands of visitors as well as the worlds sporting media who come to watch some of the best players in the world in action.