Tag: Omega Dubai Desert Classic

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McIlroy commits to Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic 2022

Rory McIlroy commits to Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.(Getty Images)

Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy is returning to Emirates Golf Club in January 2022 in a bid to win his third Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic title. McIlroy will be looking to add to his impressive record in Dubai. This will be the second Rolex Series event of the 2022 DP World Tour season.

The Northern Irishman returns at the event for the first time since 2018. Then, he came close to adding to the titles he won in 2009 and 2015. McIlroy finished just one shot behind winner Li Haotong. Rory has an enviable record over the Majlis Course with a further six top-ten finishes in 11 previous appearances.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed many memorable moments in Dubai throughout his illustrious career, winning the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in 2012 and 2015. Furthermore, he topped the season-long DP World Rankings three times – in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

McIlroy adds further star power to an elite field at the 2022 Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, which includes World Number Two and newly-crowned DP World Rankings winner Collin Morikawa. Also, fellow Major winner and 2017 Dubai Desert Classic winner Sergio Garcia, and defending champion Paul Casey.

About the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic

Slync.io, the logistics technology provider that is revolutionising the way global logistics works, will debut its new title partnership of the iconic event in 2022. This is also the first year the Dubai Desert Classic will climb up to Rolex Series status. Therefore, the event becomes part of the DP World Tour’s premium series of events.

The 2022 Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will be the second of back-to-back Rolex Series events in the region, following the season-opener in Abu Dhabi. These tournaments in January form part of the traditional ‘Desert Swing’ and attract the sport’s leading players.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Emirates Golf Club for the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic in 2022.” – McIlroy.

“I have so many wonderful memories from playing in Dubai over the years, and particularly over the Majlis Course. I’ve been able to win twice there. I look forward to coming back to Dubai and aiming to get my hands on that incredible trophy again.”

“As a fan of golf, it’s important that we bring a field that other fans will enjoy.” – Chris Kirchner, Chairman and CEO of Slync.io stated. “Rory is one of my favourite players. I’m thrilled to have him as part of the inaugural title partnership for Slync.io.”

Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic Executive Board welcome their new star McIlroy

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, added: “The addition of Rory McIlroy to an already strong field emphasises the pedigree of this golf tournament. As one of the most talented golfers in the world, he brings plenty of energy and excitement to the historic event. We look forward to seeing Rory battle it out with Collin Morikawa, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and others in a truly world-class field at this year’s event.”

Organisers confirmed that general entry to the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will be free to all over the four days. Corkill continued: “With the UAE set to celebrate its Golden Jubilee… We are delighted to announce that entry will be free for everyone over the duration of the tournament.”

“We made the decision in recognition of this special moment in the UAE’s history. While also giving something back to sports fans near and far. What better way to celebrate than through a truly global sporting event which everyone can enjoy.”

A little bit of history about it…

Founded in 1989, some of golf’s greatest names won the event. Including Major Champions Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Fred Couples, and Jose Maria Olazábal. Also, Mark O’Meara, Tiger Woods, Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Sergio Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau.

The winner’s circle over the past 32 years has also featured Ryder Cup stars. Mark James, the inaugural champion in 1989, Eamonn Darcy, Colin Montgomerie, David Howell, Thomas Bjørn, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Rafa Cabrera Bello and Stephen Gallacher.

The tournament is now set for an even brighter future with the support of Slync.io and Rolex.

Grab your tickets to the event today at www.slyncdubaidesertclassic.com

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European Tour

Casey claims Omega Dubai Desert Classic title

After a close race, Englishman Paul Casey takes home the Omega Dubai Desert Classic title (Image: Getty)

Final round report 

Paul Casey stormed to a four-stroke victory at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, winning his 15th European Tour title at the iconic Emirates Golf Club.

The Englishman started the day one stroke ahead of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre but increased his advantage to two strokes after birdies on the third and fourth holes.

The 43-year-old finished the front nine in level par after bogeys on the sixth and eighth holes but three consecutive bogeys from the seventh hole ended MacIntyre’s title tilt.

Casey steadied the ship with gains at the 11th and 13th holes and a closing birdie saw him sign for a final round of 70 and a total of 17 under par, finishing four strokes ahead of South African Brandon Stone.

MacIntyre signed for a 12 under par total, two strokes ahead of England’s Laurie Canter and Kalle Samooja of Finland.

The win propels Casey inside the Top 15 of the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time since December 2019 as he joins former and current European Ryder Cup Captains Thomas Bjorn and Padraig Harrington – who finished in a tie for sixth at nine under par alongside Sergio Garcia and Bernd Wiesberger – on 15 European Tour titles.

Casey had this to say about his performance:

Casey: “I’m so over the moon. Not just 15 [victories]. The fact it’s Dubai. It’s an iconic event on The European Tour. You guys all know that. One of the coolest trophies around.

“You know, and kind of the fact that last year, we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, last year was just, you know, like a lot of people, rubbish. I didn’t enjoy last year. This year is still, obviously we’re still difficult times, isn’t it. But yeah, something very cool because it’s not been great. I’ve not enjoyed my golf — I didn’t enjoy my golf in 2020. I mean, I played well one week but that was about it. So this is, yeah, this is really cool.

“It was tough. Didn’t look at scoreboards all day. Got off to a great start. Really only hit one poor shot on the front nine and that was the 7-iron into the 8th I pulled into the bunker. But I walked to the 10th tee and said to Johnny, look, when you can say you’ve only hit one bad golf shot in nine holes, that’s pretty good. And then really only hit one more poor shot on the back nine and that was another 7-iron into the bank on 15.

“I didn’t look at the scoreboards until I got on to the 18th green and then I saw I had a three-shot margin there. It doesn’t really tell the full picture. It was a lot tougher out there.

“And, for the record, playing with Rob today, great player. He’s got a very strong possibility of being on Paddy’s Ryder Cup team come later this year. He was brilliant. So it doesn’t really paint the whole kind of picture.”

(Text: European Tour Press Release)

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European Tour

European Tour: Sterne takes early lead in Dubai

Richard Sterne has gotten himself off to a good start at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. (Image: Getty)

Round one report 

Richard Sterne produced an impressive eight under par round of 64 to open up a one-shot lead after day one of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The South African, a six-time winner on the European Tour, birdied his final hole of the day at Emirates Golf Club to jump ahead of American Kurt Kitayama on seven under par, with Major Champion Sergio Garcia and fellow countryman Justin Harding a further shot back.

Sterne: “It’s always good to get off to a good start. It helps you for the rest of the week, I think. I’ve come close here before so it would be nice to have a chance going into the weekend. I haven’t had many chances going into weekends for a long time, so it would be nice to get through tomorrow and place myself well and see how the weekend goes.

“Last week gave me a lot of confidence. I struggled the first few days, and played really nicely on Saturday. But finishing 25th there has given me confidence. I’m just trying to watch my back, so I haven’t put much preparation into this week. Just got nine holes in Tuesday yesterday and I didn’t even come to the course yesterday. So today, I was pretty happy with the performance.”

Garcia won this event in 2017 before going on to claim his maiden Major Championship at the Masters Tournament later that year and the Spaniard enjoyed his return to the United Arab Emirates, recording a flawless round of 66.

Englishman Paul Casey made a fast start before settling for a five under 67 despite leading for most of Thursday morning, and was later joined at that mark by Spaniard Adrian Otaegui, Belgian Thomas Detry and Scot Robert MacIntyre.

(Text: European Tour Press Release)

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European Tour

Hatton chasing desert double in Dubai

All eyes will be on Tyrrell Hatton in Dubai as he aims for a desert double. (Image: Getty)

Tournament Preview

Tyrrell Hatton arrives at this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic with a spring in his step as the Englishman targets back-to-back victories in the Middle East, following his triumph last week in Abu Dhabi.

The 29-year-old climbed to a career-high fifth in the Official World Golf Ranking courtesy of his four-stroke win, for his third title in just under a year on both the European Tour and PGA Tour.

Tyrrell Hatton had this to say following his Abu Dhabi win: “The win last week still feels a little bit surreal, alongside with where we’ve moved up to in the World Rankings. It doesn’t feel like it was me who won the tournament. Looking forward to this week. It’s nice to be back here in Dubai, I missed the event last year because I was still recovering from wrist surgery. I’ve had some good finishes in the past and I’m hoping I can have another good week this week. I played the Pro-Am, the game still felt pretty good.  

“I wouldn’t say I’m uncomfortable with the position I’m in, I just don’t see myself as anything different. It’s not something that I really worry about. I’m just trying to play good golf and the World Rankings take care of themselves if you’re able to do that. Fortunately for me, the last 14 months, I’ve been on a really good run and I’m hoping that continues.”

Hatton has a strong record at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, including a pair of top three finishes and another top ten, so he is feeling confident of a title challenge in the second event of the 2021 Race to Dubai.

The man just ahead of Hatton in the world rankings, World Number Four Collin Morikawa, makes his debut at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic but enjoyed his last visit to the Emirate – clinching a top ten at last year’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.

Ryder Cup stars Paul Casey and Sergio Garcia, meanwhile, make their first appearances of the European Tour campaign as they target crucial qualification points with a view to making it onto Padraig Harrington’s European side for the September showpiece at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin.

(Text: European Tour Communications)

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Team Austria

European Tour: Lucas Herbert Speaks on First Career Victory at The Omega Dubai Desert Classic

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 26: Lucas Herbert of Australia celebrates with the winners trophy after the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 26, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

European Tour professional Lucas Herbert speaks to the media following his first career victory coming at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, beating out Christiaan Bezuidenhout in a two hole playoff.

Lucas Herbert talks first career victory and Australia Day at following the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Q. 50th appearance, first win on The European Tour. How does it feel?
LUCAS HERBERT: It feels pretty good. Yeah, I finished Top-10 quite a few times and that was a pretty cool rush but to win is something else. It’s just such a good feeling, and all of the bad times and all of the hard times and all the missed cuts, they made up for that feeling on the 18th green there when we won.

Yeah, it’s pretty good.

Q. And on all days, particularly special, today being Australia Day? g
LUCAS HERBERT: Yeah, I mean, just the fact, everything that’s gone on back home, if I can a little bit of joy to the guys who are struggling back there, yeah, it’s real special, and go back and celebrate with the guys, brilliant.

Q. A lot of heritage with this event, 31 years. How have you found your time in Dubai?
LUCAS HERBERT: I love coming here. Down in the marina and down in the beach there, it’s a phenomenal city. Obviously the golf course here with that backdrop is something else. It’s pretty cool to watch golf shots take off into that. Love coming here and it’s definitely one of the first events on the schedule when I write it down the end of this year.

Full Leaderboard: Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2020

Q. How did you find the course itself; pretty challenging?
LUCAS HERBERT: It was brutal out there. That rough was up pretty thick. Those greens were baked. That little bit of rain through sort of the back nine kind of helped, because otherwise, those things were a lot to deal with.

So it tests so many parts of your game. It almost felt like a major in a way with the amount that you sort of just had to plan where you miss shots. It wasn’t necessarily about trying to hit it close. You just had to make sure that you didn’t miss in the wrong spot, and you know, thankfully that’s what I did.

Q. And then thoughts going through your head through the playoff? Obviously going through 18 twice must have been pretty difficult at the time.
LUCAS HERBERT: Yeah, I mean, I was so proud of the way that I obviously wedged it close and forced that into extra holes. I made probably a poor swing on the first tee shot and obviously a horrible swing on the second shot on the first playoff hole but I was pretty quick to work out what was going on there.

I felt like I knew what I did and I was able to correct that for the second playoff hole and felt like I hit two really nice shots there and really put the heat on Christian and kind of made things easy for me there at the end.

Q. Will you be back here next year? Going to be training in Dubai the week before and defend your title in 2021?
LUCAS HERBERT: Usually it’s back-to-back with the Abu Dhabi event last week, so I mean, this is one of the first events I’ll put on the schedule. It’s a great event. It’s awesome golf course. Obviously suits me. This week, when it’s tough, this is perfect.

Yeah, if I’m fit and healthy, I’ll definitely play this event next year.

Q. Any of your friends or family or you have been personally affected by what’s going on in Australia?
LUCAS HERBERT: Not with these fires, no. None of my family or friends have lost anything, but I think the wildlife’s been the biggest thing affected. Just surprising the number of deaths that are with wildlife. You look online with social media and see the donations that are being made. Like the things that celebrities and sports stars are putting up for auction, it’s phenomenal. They are getting behind everyone so much.

There’s a big sense of community within Australia that we are going to fight these fires and get through them. Fingers crossed for a little bit of rain; that might help, as well. Luckily, I don’t know anyone affected by them, but it’s still pretty bad.

Q. Can I ask you, it’s been a great run for Australian golf at the moment, Adam Scott winning before Christmas. We saw Cameron Smith win in Hawai’i.
LUCAS HERBERT: Yeah, if I’m part of that club, that’s a pretty good club to be a part of. I think we’ve got some great players obviously playing. We are pretty well populated on tours around the world.

So yeah, it’s always great to see us Aussie guys succeeding, playing well, winning. We all get behind each other, so yeah, I’m glad I could add to that list.

Q. And talking about adding names to list, you look at that trophy Tiger Woods winning, Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, Thomas Bj�rn. Good to be in that sort of company, as well?
LUCAS HERBERT: That’s pretty cool. I know Rory won this start for his first European Tour win, so we are both in that club. That’s a pretty cool club to be a part of, too.

Q. Can you just talk to us about the 18th hole, the playoff, the first time, what were the thoughts going in your mind, and the shot that you hit, what did you tell yourself?
LUCAS HERBERT: Which shot.

Q. The first playoff hole.
LUCAS HERBERT: Second shot, yeah. We said at the start of the week, anything more than 250 to the front edge, we weren’t going to go for the green and it was 246. So it was right on sort of the go number.

I kind of thought before the playoff, Christian is pretty short, and he’s probably going to get home in two. Actually I was quite surprised he got home for two in that second playoff hole. I thought if I could use the advantage of getting on the green in two. It’s a pretty hard pin to pitch at. So I thought I would use my advantage there and get it up on the green; that might be helpful. Obviously didn’t make the greatest swing there with the second shot.

But then from there hit — like I spoke about it with my mental coach that we’re going to make some bad swings and some — there’s going to be some unlucky breaks out there, and if you look back at anyone who wins tournaments, no one does it perfectly. Everyone hits poor shots here or there and everyone has a bad break, and it was just a poor shot.

Thankfully I had the worst shot I hit with the week with the best shot I hit of the week to force the second playoff hole. And obviously with Christian hitting it in the water on the last in regulation and feeling like he had that and lost it, it might have put enough pressure on him that that second playoff hole birdie was good enough to win.

Q. Winning so early in the year, two-year exemption, which is virtually a three-year exemption, what does that do for your career and schedule-wise rest of the year?
LUCAS HERBERT: These are questions that I have not even thought about. I mean, goal early in the year was to play well, try and get myself into bigger events like try and get myself into WGC events or whatever, those kind of stuff, majors.

I haven’t even thought about what this is going to do, but the bigger events we can get into, the better, and hopefully I’m looking forward to try and play in those, and you know, win again. That would be great. It was a pretty good field, so I wouldn’t mind doing it again.

January 26, 2020

Dubai, UAE

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

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Team UK

European Tour: Tom Lewis Speaks on Valiant Final Round Effort at The Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Tom Lewis of England plays a shot during the final day of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai on January 26, 2020. (Photo by KARIM SAHIB / AFP) (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)

European Tour professional Tom Lewis speaks with the media following a final round 74 which led to a third place finish at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

European Tour: Tom Lewis addresses the media after coming up just short at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Q. Given everything down the stretch, a brave put at 16 to keep the dream alive but you’ve come up short. Reflect on the day?
TOM LEWIS: It was always going to be a difficult day. Found the wind was down out of the left, a lot of time I was struggling with that wind, and I think around here you can’t miss greens. Around here, it’s going to be difficult. The greens look so fast and I think when that rain came in, it slowed it up and I think that’s why you see a lot of my putts came up short coming in.

It’s a shame, but I gave it a go and when I holed that one on 16, I thought, here we go, might get a couple of birdies, but just didn’t happen.

Q. Obviously the 68 shot by Christian and Lucas, tremendous scores. Put them into context for us, because they played in the worst of the weather?
TOM LEWIS: Yeah, I don’t see that out there. I thought anything around par, maybe 1-under, would be an amazing score. To be able to shoot 3- or 4-under par around here today, it’s hard to see, but I think Lucas has had a good night the night before, so I might have a word with him to see what he’s doing.

Full Leaderboard: Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2020

Q. Tied for third position takes you around 50th in the world. Will depend on results in America tonight, but certainly you’re closer to the dream of playing potentially in the Masters in April. Is that a particular goal?
TOM LEWIS: Top-50?

Q. You’ll be around Top-50?
TOM LEWIS: Well, that holds me up a little bit. I don’t know. I really don’t know how the World Rankings work. I just know that it would be lovely to go to the Masters. To keep missing out on that every year, especially with the start of the career I’ve had, I’ve never been there, and hopefully I can keep playing well, play well next week and see what happens over in America, try to get into some events, maybe they will let me play a few, and maybe I can get in the Masters.

January 26, 2020

Dubai, UAE

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

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Team UK

European Tour: Tommy Fleetwood Speaks on Huge Bounce Back Second Round at Omega Dubai Desert Classic

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 24: Tommy Fleetwood of England plays his third shot on the third hole during Day Two of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 24, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

European Tour: Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media following round two of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in which he shot a score of 65 to rebound from his first round 75 to make it inside the cutline.

European Tour: Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media following round two of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Q. 75 yesterday, 65 today. Just tell us about that from your point of view. 10 shots in one day.
TOMMY FLEETWOOD: Yeah, it’s a good change. Yesterday was disappointing, I actually felt like I played okay, I had a real shocker on the greens. At the end of the day those bad days have to get better. But the positive is we practiced for a bit yesterday, I came out this morning, practiced my putting again, felt like I had a better idea of what I was doing. And that just — it doesn’t always work out like that, but just lucky that the bit of work that I did put in paid off today. Really felt like I, at times, I didn’t need hit it that great, but at times I did hit it really well today, and I just made putts, made up-and-downs and that makes a big big difference when you’re playing golf.

Q. Putting itself obviously improved significantly. Once you were out there and you sort of got your self through the cut line in terms of, I’m probably safe now, is it then about narrowing the gap to the top and does that change your mindset?
TOMMY FLEETWOOD: I think you never really want to think about the cut, but obviously when you start off at 3-over the first priority is to make sure that you made the cut and play for the weekend. I think that’s, I mean that is the first priority every time you peg it up week-to-week as professional golfers is to make cuts and make money. So, yeah, like that, first and foremost is try and get your self in the cut line. I feel like I navigated the front nine really well and the course has played so much harder this so you can’t take anything for granted, but I felt like once I got through the front nine, the back nine with three par-5s, feels like there was more chances on the back nine. So I felt very comfortable walking to the 10th tee. And just — but at no point was it trying get your self up the leaderboard, try and make the cut, it was just about doing my best, really. I’m not going to go through all the process stuff, but it was all that and at the end of the day it was a very, very good day and I was just happy that I got some momentum building. And like you say, not out of it yet.

Full Leaderboard: Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2020

Q. There was some attention obviously because you’ve got this record cut run going, people are discussing it saying 2018 43 tournaments, now makes 44. Even you must be impressed with that, it’s pretty darn good stuff.
TOMMY FLEETWOOD: Yeah, it’s something that I’m very proud of. I think that — I said before, I would like some more wins possibly as well, but to play week-in week-out and there’s always, it’s so easy to I think make excuses that, I wasn’t putting well this week or, like yesterday, I could have easily said, I’m putting terrible this week, just put it down to that and let’s get on with next week. And yeah, to have played that consistently over that course of time is something that I’m proud of and I think it shows a lot about how I go about things, about the people that I work with and the preparation that we put in, because I’m not going to have played well all those weeks and the standard of golf’s getting higher and higher, so something I’m very proud of, I’m sure it’s going to come to an end at some point, but for now just happy that I’m still here for the weekend.

January 24,2020

Dubai, UAE

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

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Team Ireland

European Tour: Padraig Harrington Speaks on Long Absence From Omega Dubai Desert Classic

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 24: Padraig Harrington of Ireland plays his second shot on the sixteenth hole during Day Two of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 24, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

European tour professional and major championship Padraig Harrington speaks with the media following round 1 of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

European Tour: Padraig Harrington speaks to the media following opening round of Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Q. Just how good is 71, 1-under par, feel in those conditions?
PADRAIG HARRINGTON: Yeah I’m happy because I finished strong. I 4-putted second hole today, my 11th, so at that stage, I had thrown away a few shots. I did the same at the par 5, 13th. I took four shots from nowhere. I was feeling bad. But it really got windy on that last nine holes and I made a couple of really good up-and-downs. I’m pleased with the finish.

Q. Give us your opinion on the way the golf course is playing. Some players are coming in saying it’s too firm to be this narrow and you can’t get it on the fairway.
PADRAIG HARRINGTON: Well, I’m happy with my driving. It is tough to hit the fairways. But it’s not playing long with the heat.

Full Leaderboard: Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2020

If you want to sort all the professional golfers out, just give us firm greens. The chip on the last hole, probably had 40 feet of green and all I’m worried about is chipping it in the water on the far side. Firm greens really sort us out and we find it difficult. If you do miss the fairways, coming into firm greens, it’s very difficult. Firm, fast greens, I could see guys, if you get on the wrong side of things today, you would be moaning. If you’re on the right side, you’d think this is the way golf should be.

Q. You’ve played this championship seven times before but not since 2004. Is it Ryder Cup Captaincy that’s brought you back?
PADRAIG HARRINGTON: I’d normally play farmers in the States at this time of the year, but I want to be around the European players. And these are the big events on The European Tour; they always have been in the Middle East. As Ryder Cup Captain, I felt I should come.

I’m delighted to be here, as well. I think they are important events, but they are also some of our best events in Europe; the quality of the golf courses and the conditions, they are good events to play in for sure.

January 23, 2020

Dubai, UAE

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

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Team USA

European Tour: Bryson DeChambeau Recaps Difficult Opening Round at The Omega Dubai Desert Classic

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 23: Bryson Dechambeau of United States plays his second shot on the seventeenth hole during Day One of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 23, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

European Tour professional and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau speaks to the media following an opening round 71 at The Omega Dubai Desert Classic. DeChambeau speaks on the differences between the previous edition of the tournament and this year’s tournament.

European Tour: Bryson DeChambeau talks with media following the first round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Q. You just closed out a round of 70 with the only birdie of the day on the difficult ninth. Give us an assessment of your play today?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: It was great, actually. Iron play was great out of the rough and the fairway, and my wedge game around the greens was impeccable. Stuff I’m doing there is awesome. I’m putting still really well. I feel like I’m rolling it on my line except one putt on 6 today. Other than that, it was pretty much smooth sailing and still working on the driver. That’s a work-in-progress, but it will be a work-in-progress until I get the right stuff in my hands.

Full Leaderboard: Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2020

Q. It’s a very difficult golf course, one you shot 21 under par last year. Give us your assessment of the way it’s set up?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: It’s playing at least four shots harder a day if it was to stay like this, no doubt. The fairways are tightened up. It’s almost impossible to hit the fairway on 18. I hit hybrid and it’s got 45 spin on that and it was a little downwind and landed middle of the fairway and rolled all the way into the rough. It’s a very, very good test of golf and you have to make sure your wedge game is on and your iron play is on.

Q. Second shot on the 15th, out of the deep rough, describe that one?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I didn’t hit that great of a drive. I hit it off the heel, kind of floated with the wind and it went pretty far still, and I had a 9-iron in my hand, a little downhill slope. Was able to munch it out of there, all that thick grass. We were trying to land it about ten yards short, which I did beautifully.

It came out perfectly. We calculated for the rough density, we played about like ten percent on that shot just based on the way it looked and that number worked out really well and rolled up really close.

Q. The tee shot on 2 where you landed it on the green on the short par 4, is that evidence of the new power and strength you possess?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, the shot I hit even 5, it was off line but it was still so far up I had a wedge in my hand.

6 I hit 350 into the first cut. Caught a jumper on that one. I hit it really far. Now it’s just about controlling it and if I can control it, it’s going to be a scary combo.

January 23, 2020

Dubai, UAE

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

Categories
Team South Africa

European Tour: Louis Oosthuizen Talks Long History at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 23: Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa plays his shot from the sixteenth tee during Day One of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 23, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

European Tour and major champion Louis Oosthuizen speaks to the media following a first round score of -1 under par at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Oosthuizen has a long history at the event, participating yearly since 2004.

European Tour: Louis Oosthuizen speaks to the media following round one of Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Q. 71, 1-under. What pleased you most about your play?
LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Yeah, it was solid. Just one hole I messed up with hit are four or five bad shots on the par 5. Just made double-bogey out of nowhere, really and missed a few fairways on the front nine, and it’s brutal. You can’t miss fairways around this golf course the way it’s set up. You know, the greens are getting really crispy. I think the boys this afternoon are going to have a tough time on the greens.

Q. You’ve been coming here since 2004. Ever known it to play this difficult?
LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: No. This is by far the toughest I’ve ever seen it. The fairways are tight. The rough is close to U.S. Open standards, and the greens is rock hard and really crispy. I would think they would water it tonight.

Q. Five top-six finishes for you in your last six starts, either side of Christmas. What’s clicked in your game?
LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Just a lot of things that I’ve been working on is sort of coming together, and rolling it nicely. Making a few putts here and there. Just need to keep on doing what I’m doing.

January 23, 2020

Dubai, UAE

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FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports