Lee Westwood is hoping to end a month-long stint in the Middle East on a high at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic this week.
The Englishman has twice been a runner-up at Emirates Golf Club – the most recent in 2010 when he lost a play-off to Miguel Angel Jiménez – but is aiming to go one better and cap a successful early season spell.
Last week he was tied 12th at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, and the previous week he finished tied 17th in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, his first event of the season.
“I'd say if I was making an appraisal of the first couple of weeks, I've hit it a lot better than I normally do this time of year,” said Westwood, who won the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World in 2009. “My short game is a little sharper than normal, and the putting is quite nice – I’m starting to roll a few longer ones in.
“This is obviously a place I like coming and playing. I love this golf course. I think it's a good test and you get what you deserve around it. It's usually in great condition and I don't think this year is any exception. It's a nice place to come to play early in the season.
“I came and practised here three weeks ago to get ready for Abu Dhabi and Qatar, so it’s the last of a four-week trip. It’s good to be back here and be competitive.
“They normally grow the rough up a little bit here. And the greens are firm, so it puts a demand on hitting the fairways. It’s a bit breezy out there, but there’s nothing tricky about the fairways. They're pretty flat. I've always found it a fair golf course.”
Westwood will have to contend with a strong field over the Majilis Course, with World Number Two Rory McIlroy, World Number Four Martin Kaymer and defending champion Alvaro Quiros all in attendance.
However, the 38 year old believes anyone can triumph, as shown by the fact the last four tournaments have been won by players further down the Official World Golf Ranking in Paul Lawrie, Robert Rock and Branden Grace.
“I think it shows the strength of the European Tour,” he said. “We're very strong right now. Robert has got a very good game and seems the kind of player that once he gets the knack of winning he will win quite a bit.
“Paul is a Major Champion, so that was no real shock as he putts well on grainy greens and plays well in the desert. He nearly won the Dubai World Championship last year. It seems some people’s games are suited to desert golf, but the strength in depth on The European Tour at the moment is the main thing.”
