Join us as we preview the thrilling Omega Dubai Desert Classic, taking centre stage at the stunning Emirates Golf Course in Dubai from 25 January to 28 January.
The Desert Swing’s second leg brings an exciting change to the European Tour schedule this year. Traditionally the Qatar Masters kicks off the second event of this lucrative season segment, but this year, the prestigious Dubai Desert Classic steps in as that key tournament.
This event has recently been a springboard for European stars, with champions like Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia going on to claim the coveted green jackets at Augusta. Rory McIlroy surely has this in his sights, aiming to complete the career Grand Slam. Reigning champ Sergio Garcia, fresh from his win in Singapore last week, is undoubtedly a tough contender to watch.
Omega Dubai Desert Classic | 25 January – 28 January | Emirates Golf Course, Dubai
The tournament’s roots go back to 1986, thanks to the vision of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who authorised the course’s construction. It stands as the longest running golf event in the UAE. The Karl Litten-designed Emirates Golf Course offers wide fairways and forgiving roughs, making it a desert course that rewards powerful hitters while allowing for some margin on accuracy. Some of golf’s greats like Ernie Els, Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Henrik Stenson have all triumphed here.
Market favourites Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia arrive in scintillating form, both eyeing success at Augusta. Tommy Fleetwood’s shrinking odds underscore his recent domination in Europe, but expecting back-to-back wins after a heartfelt victory last week might be a stretch. Meanwhile, big names like Henrik Stenson and Louis Oosthuizen bring major-winning experience to the field. This promises to be another epic showdown, highlighting the strength of Thomas Bjorn’s Ryder Cup squad this season.
Past Winners
2017: Sergio Garcia (-19)
2016: Danny Willet (-19)
2015: Rory McIlroy (-22)
2014: Stephen Gallagher (-16)
2013: Stephen Gallagher (-22)
To Win Outright
Rory McIlroy 9/2 | Sergio Garcia 8/1 | Tommy Fleetwood 12/1 | Henrik Stenson 12/1 | Matthew Fitzpatrick 20/1
Value Bets
Dylan Frittelli: To Win 66/1, To Place 14/1
The Emirates Golf Course’s layout suits South African players familiar with its unique grass. Dylan Frittelli burst onto the scene last year with two European Tour wins, signalling a rising star for South African golf. His power off the tee suits this bomber-friendly course, and his recent top 20 finish in Dubai hints at promising form. The similarities to the HSBC Golf event and the absence of the Qatar Masters between these events could only benefit him further this week.
Alexander Levy: To Win 80/1, To Place 17/1
The gifted and unpredictable Frenchman, Alexander Levy, is motivated by the Ryder Cup’s arrival in France this year. With impressive driving distance, he showed flashes of brilliance in Abu Dhabi, though consistency remains a challenge. With improved putting, Levy could well be a player to watch this week.
Nicolas Colsaerts: To Win 125/1, To Place 25/1
Belgian powerhouse Nicolas Colsaerts fits into the enigmatic player category with a recent resurgence after a tough last year. His strong performances, including a first-round lead in Turkey and solid finishes in Dubai, make him a tempting long-shot. At 66/1, betting on him to lead after round one might be an intriguing punt.
The Man to Beat: Henrik Stenson – To Win 12/1, To Place 26/10
Stenson, a former Dubai resident, knows the course inside-out. Winner here in 2007, and battling through injury to finish sixth in 2016, Stenson dazzled with a 65 in Abu Dhabi’s final round to secure a top-10 spot. With three wins and numerous top 10s in Dubai, he’s arguably the best value bet among the favourites.