Dubai Desert Classic: A Celebrated Legacy at Emirates Golf Club
The Dubai Desert Classic, inaugurated in 1989 as the first European Tour event in the Middle East, has grown into one of the most prestigious tournaments on the DP World Tour. Originally held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the tournament moved to its permanent home at Emirates Golf Club in 1993, with the exception of two editions in 1999 and 2000, which returned to Dubai Creek.
Over the years, the Dubai Desert Classic has attracted the world’s top golfers, including legends such as Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. The Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, with its challenging layout and iconic backdrop, has hosted thrilling battles and unforgettable moments, solidifying the tournament’s status as a favourite among players and fans alike.
Notably, four players have won the Dubai Desert Classic multiple times: Rory McIlroy (four wins), Ernie Els (three wins), and both Tiger Woods and Stephen Gallacher with two victories each. Rory McIlroy’s first victory in 2009, at the age of just 19, marked him as the youngest winner in the tournament’s history.
Ernie Els, a three-time champion, reflects fondly on his experiences in Dubai: "I've been travelling to Dubai for almost twenty years and it's become a very special place for me, both personally and professionally. I've made a lot of friends for life; we proudly launched our first Els club in Dubai and obviously to win three times at the Emirates Golf Club represents one of the highlights from my career."
The Dubai Desert Classic not only offers a significant prize fund and crucial ranking points but also brings the atmosphere of a top-ranked professional tournament. Each year, the event draws thousands of spectators and global media, making it a central fixture in the golfing calendar. As part of the DP World Tour, the Dubai Desert Classic continues to play a crucial role in promoting the sport in the Middle East, contributing to Dubai’s reputation as a world-class sporting destination.
