On the back of his phenomenal year, Rory McIlory will be hoping to keep the momentum rolling into 2015 when he headlines a strong field at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, which returns to Emirates Golf Club from January 29-February 1.
The World Number One, who will be making his ninth appearance in the tournament, will join a galaxy of European stars including defending champion Stephen Gallacher, World Number Two Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood when he returns to the site of his first professional win in 2009.
Named ‘Player of the Year’ on both sides of the Atlantic after topping the money lists in Europe and the United Sates, the Northern Irishman enjoyed an unforgettable 2014 season which included wins in The Open Championship and the US PGA Championship, as well as helping Europe to an emphatic 16.5-11.5 win over the United States in The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
McIlroy’s momentous journey to world stardom began at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, when he won his first European Tour event aged 19, so becoming the seventh youngest winner in Tour history.
“I’ve got great memories of Dubai and it will be fun to get back to a golf course where I have enjoyed success over the years,” said the 25 year old Ulsterman, who also made his first cut in a European Tour event as a 17 year old amateur at the 2007 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
“It was nice to get my first professional win in Dubai. I had my parents there with me and it was a special moment that I will never forget. That win was a real stepping stone for the success that followed and my relationship with Dubai went from strength to strength,” said McIlroy, a four-time Major winner.
“To think the tournament is older than I am is testimony to its strength,” said McIlroy, whose best score at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic is a 63 he shot in 2014, just two shy of the course record held by South Africa’s Ernie Els.
“They have an outstanding field all the time, and the golf course (Majlis) is really in great shape. Obviously, I will be looking to win the event again,” said McIlroy, who boasts 21 professionals wins, including nine each on The European and US PGA Tours.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “We are delighted to welcome back a standout player in a field which exudes the energy of a major with all those big names battling for glory in Dubai.
“We have seen him first compete as an amateur in 2006 and now we will see him tee up as the world number one for the first time. His incredible journey has left indelible footprints in the tournament’s history.
“As his name has become synonymous with the golfing landscape of Dubai, I am confident his presence will radiate distinct energy to the tournament, one that will rub off on fans. I wish him the very best and hope that the future brings him more success.”
