28th Omega Dubai Desert Classic Special

The ‘Major of the Middle East’ promises another memorable Desert Swing sign-off. And Tiger. Lots of Tiger.

THE TV PROMO

for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic was produced before Tiger Woods was confirmed to make his eagerly anticipated eighth appearance in the tournament they market as the “Major of the Middle East”. It could just as easily have been scripted for him alone. “Greatness is earned. By those who embrace the challenge. Stand tall in the face of adversity. Persevere, learn from failure. Never give up, never give in. And inspire others to reach great heights.” We could go on, as the poetic promo does in reminding us the Desert Classic is #MadeforGreatness, but you get the high definition picture. There will be other compelling story lines as the 2017 Desert Swing reaches its climax on the Majlis. Can Rory McIlroy emulate Ernie Els and lift the famed silver coffee pot a third time? Will he even play? Can Danny Willett rid himself of his rotten Ryder Cup hangover and defend? Is Henrik Stenson ready to repeat? And how will the amateurs, Australia’s Curtis Luck and the Dubai-adopted Indian Rayhan Thomas, fare? But, story of the 28th edition is the return of Tiger, even if the 41-year-old, 14-time major champion doesn’t write the tournament’s definitive chapter come Sunday. Presuming he survives his 2017 bow at Torrey Pines the previous week and can produce an early fistpump or three at Emirates Golf Club, it’s a narrative that might, just maybe, see true greatness reignited.