Thaindian News

DUBAI (BNO NEWS) — Top golfer Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will return to Dubai next year to compete in the 2011 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the tournament announced on Sunday.

Woods first appeared at the tournament in 2001 and won the event twice, in 2006 and 2008. He was scheduled to defend his title again in 2009, but was sidelined due to reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The famed golfer took an extensive break after a single-car accident last year, which was followed by a series of revelations about affairs with multiple women. He has yet to win a tournament since he returned to professional golf at the 2010 Masters on April 8.

Woods, in a statement released by the tournament, said he was looking forward to getting back to Dubai to play at “a fantastic event.”

“The level of competition has always been extremely high; so I know I’ll have to play my best golf if I’m going to regain my title,” Woods said. “It’s a great venue, the (Majlis) course is always in immaculate condition and the weather reminds me of back home in Florida.”

Despite Dubai’s significant financial crisis, Woods said he was amazed by the UAE emirate. “What they had done is phenomenal. I haven’t seen anything like this and I don’t think anyone anywhere around the world has seen this kind of growth,” Woods said. “Golf is just one component of it. Since the time I have been coming over here, the skyline keeps changing, keeps evolving and the people keep coming here and thoroughly enjoy it.”

‘Golf in Dubai’ said they were delighted to welcome Woods back in Dubai. “We are naturally delighted and proud that Tiger Woods has agreed to join us for the 2011 Omega Dubai Desert Classic,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Golf in Dubai.

“Having the world’s greatest golfer play in your event is something many tournament organisers dream of; so for us to be able to welcome him to the Majlis Course for the sixth time in 10 years is a major boost for golf in the Middle East, especially Dubai.”

Buamaim said, with Woods’ appearance, the organization is confident that the 2011 tournament will create a ‘buzz on the global stage’ and create a fresh impetus to tourism in the city. “After all, he’s Tiger Woods for a reason,” he added.

The CEO of Golf in Dubai further said it was looking forward to revealing other major names in the near future.

The tournament, which was won by Spanish golfer Miguel Ángel Jiménez this year, will be held at the Emirates Golf Club in 2011.