The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has witnessed some memorable moments in its 33-year history on the DP World Tour, with many of the world’s greatest golfers celebrating success.
Ahead of the iconic tournament – now in its second edition as part of the Rolex Series – returning to the Emirates Golf Club this week, we look back on Tiger Woods’ remarkable final round performance to win the title for a second time in 2008.
The American, who defeated Ernie Els in a play-off to deny the South African a fourth Dubai crown two years earlier, opened the week with a seven under par 65 to hold a two-shot lead at the Majlis Course.
His lead was cut to just one shot after a 71 in the second round, before a 73 saw him head into the final round trailing by four strokes from overnight leader Els.
Despite a fast start to his final round, with three birdies in his opening four holes, Woods still trailed by four shots at the turn.
The then World Number One produced a sensational back nine of six under par 31, including birdies at five of the final seven holes, to set the target at 14 under par with a 65 and lift the title by one shot from Martin Kaymer.
Victory was secured courtesy of a brilliant downhill birdie putt from around 25 feet on the 72nd hole, with his fist-pump celebration still well remembered to this day.
Watch the video above to relive Woods’ second triumph at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2008…
