Dubai-based Burrow to join elite field at Oman Open

muscat — The second edition of the Oman Open boasts a starstudded line-up full of Ryder Cup stars, multiple European Tour winners, a Major champion and Dubai resident Max Burrow when the Sultanate’s biggest ever professional sports event returns to Al Mouj Golf in Muscat from Feb. 28 to March 3.

Six-time European Tour winner and defending Oman Open champion Joost Luiten headlines the event with the Dutchman targeting another solid performance after coming out on top of an enthralling final-round battle with close friend Chris Wood to seal the inaugural tournament last year. “I was surprised by how good Al Mouj Golf was,” said Luiten.

“It was my first time playing in Oman and I didn’t know what to expect but I just fell in love with the course. It’s a tough track and there is a stiff wind to contest with so you have to bring your ‘A’ game to be in contention come Sunday. It suits my game and I can’t wait to go back as champion and look forward to defending my title.”

Luiten will be joined by twotime Ryder Cup star and 1999 Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie, who is looking forward to making his season debut at the 2019 Oman Open and returning to action on the European Tour after sitting out most of last year with a foot injury which eventually required surgery.

“I might not be 100 per cent tournament sharp for my first week back after such a long spell on the sidelines, but I’ve got to start playing somewhere and what better place than Oman, where the course and climate are excellent,” said the Scot, who underwent a procedure to repair a ruptured tendon and torn ligaments last September.

“I really liked the Greg Normandesigned course and how well the holes played. My foot was causing me some problems at the tournament last year, so I hope I can make amends and really enjoy myself this time around.”

It was my first time playing in Oman and I didn’t know what to expect but I just fell in love with the course

Joost Luiten