Mark O'Meara
Mark O’Meara returns to the scene of his 2004 triumph, hoping to roll back the years when he competes in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, starting at the Emirates Golf Club later this week.
Images of Tiger Woods giving him a bear hug on the 18th green after his last European Tour victory seven years ago are still fresh in the minds of his fans.
With 31 victories world-wide, including 16 on the US PGA Tour under his belt, O'Meara competes in a star-studded field, spearheaded by Woods and World Number One Lee Westwood, in what promises to be an intriguing battle in the sun.
O’Meara, who is a ‘golf in DUBAi’ ambassador, said: “When you look at the list of the past champions who have won the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, it is so impressive. This shows good golfers in the world love to come and play in Dubai.
“What's happening out there in the UAE and certainly in Dubai is just so impressive to see,” said O’Meara, referring to the fast-changing golfing landscape of the country.
O’Meara, one of the most popular figures in international golf, has been playing on the US Champions Tour since 2007. He had many top-10 finishes in his first three seasons, including several runner-up finishes, but no wins.
In 2010, he broke through with a win in the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf with Nick Price, followed by his first senior major victory in the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship.
Two wins and a string of top-10 finishes propelled him to the eighth on the Money List with over $1.2 million in earnings from 20 starts in 2010.
On Wednesday Shane O'Donoghue and the CNN team join O'Meara in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am.
