By
A WEE BIT OF LUCK
Dubai resident Ewen Ferguson had a finish to remember in his bogey-free 65 on Friday afternoon, taking a one-shot lead into the weekend of the 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The Scot, whose apartment in Dubai Marina overlooks Emirates Golf Club, finished his second round with a birdie-eagle finish on the 17th and 18th holes of the Majlis Course after some “local knowledge” on the par-five last hole, with a bounce back off the hospitality boards giving him a six-foot putt for eagle, taking him to a 12-under-par total.
“Honestly, 7-wood and 3-wood into the wind, getting a bit colder as the day was getting late. I thought, you know, what, I’m just going to go to the back, and even if I have to go into the drop zone, I’m just going to splash it out.
“If I had a 15-footer on the last, I would have been fine with that. Still, I would have made that for a good day, but a wee bit of luck goes a long way,” said the 28-year-old.
Victory here on Sunday afternoon would easily be Ferguson’s biggest scalp to date, having already claimed three DP World Tour titles since March 2022. The US$9 million prize pot on offer in this first Rolex Series event of
the season on the DP World Tour would set him up nicely for the remainder of the season.
“Yeah, 36 holes played, leading so far is great.
“It’s nice to be doing well, and as big as this is, with some of the players that are playing, it’s really, really cool, and I’m proud of myself.”
Just one shot back from the recent Emirates Golf Club ambassador is Kiwi Daniel Hillier, who equalled Ferguson with the lowest round of the day, a seven-under-par 65 on Friday.
“Two very different days of golf,” said Hillier. “I think day one, striped it off the tee and gave myself a lot of chances. Just a solid round of golf. Today a few extra putts went in than I was expecting. Yeah, it’s nice to see those drop and hopefully they keep dropping.”
Ewen and Daniel have a bit of breathing space from the rest of the pack. Their closest competition is at eightunder-par, with Jason Scrivener, Tyrrell Hatton, Shaun Norris, and Laurie Canter all tied for third.
Defending champion and four-time winner of the event, Rory McIlroy, is at three-under-par. Meanwhile, two-time Major Champion Jon Rahm’s 77 on the Majlis saw him make an early exit from the event.
Arab Golf History
Adam Bresnu etched his name into the history books. PAGE 2
Liam James
A glimpse into the player and coach relationship this week. PAGE 8
Event Stats
All the best bits from the past 35 years of the event. PAGE 14
Step Fore It
Make sure to get your steps in to win some great prizes. PAGE 18
10-11
Harry Grimshaw – Editor, Golf Digest Middle East
Weather Watch
LEADERBOARD
1
7 OLESEN, Thorbjørn (DEN) -7 70 67
GOUVEIA, Ricardo (POR) -7 65 72 WILLIAMS, Robin (RSA) -7 68 69
LEE, Min Woo (AUS) -7 71 66
HØJGAARD, Rasmus (DEN) -7 71 66
“LET’S GO!”
Arab golf history was made on Friday afternoon at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, as Moroccan amateur, Adam Bresnu, became the first Arab-born golfer to make the cut in a DP World Tour Rolex Series event.
The 20-year-old bounced back from his opening round of one-over-par 73 on Thursday, with a three-under-par 69 in Round Two to safely make the cut after on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club.
Having won nine amateur titles in 2024, including the Pan Arab Championship in November at Al Zorah, Bresnu received an invite to this event through the Emirates Golf Federation, who are supporting the growth of golf, not just throughout the United Arab Emirates, but across all Arab countries.
“Let’s go!” said an ecstatic Bresnu after his second round. “I feel great. I knew what I had to do before playing today.
“After yesterday’s round, I knew what I had to fight back to and I had a target in my head of two-under-par through nine holes, to give myself a chance of making the cut.
“I did that! I made the turn in two-under, which was what I wanted, and our plan paid off. The last three holes were stressful, especially when I made a bogey on 16, but I just respected my game and trusted it.
“It’s incredible. I think I am the first Arabborn and Moroccan golfer to make the cut in a Rolex Series event. I’m making history! I’m so grateful to the Emirates Golf Federation and General Abdullah Al Hashmi for giving me this opportunity.
“I even had some support out there! Sam Mullane, who plays for the UAE, Intissar Rich, who also plays on the UAE National Team, was supporting me, my uncle, Faisal, my coach, and the General was waiting for me on the 18th green. It was great!”
With 36 holes to go, Adam still has the dream he started the week with: to seriously contend in this Rolex Series event and finish the week with the trophy, despite the world-class field.
“100%, of course, it might sound arrogant, but you have to think like that. I don’t want to just contend in an event and make up the numbers; I want to try and win.”
Having already written his name into the history books of Arab golf, Adam now joins a select group of Moroccan players to have made the cut on the DP World Tour. Before him, there have been only 13 Moroccan players to achieve this feat. The first to do so was Fatmi Moussa at the Benson & Hedges International Open in 1978. The most recent, Yassine Touhami at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in 2020.
We’re all rooting for you over the weekend, Adam!
Adam was greeted by Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman, General Abdullah Al Hashmi
Best Viewing Spots
There are multiple fantastic viewing opportunities for fans, with key spots around the course including the Grey Goose Bar & Viewing Terrace, where spectators can watch players warm-up on the driving range.
At the first tee grandstand, fans can see all the players get their rounds underway, while the 15th green grandstand provides an up-close view of the par three 15th hole.
The 18th green grandstand allows spectators to witness the players finishing their round at the iconic 18th hole, and the 14th green public bar & viewing terrace offers a stunning view of multiple tees and greens.
THE NEXT
GENERATION
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) took the tournament’s iconic Dallah Trophy on a week-long tour of Dubai’s schools in the lead-up to the tournament which started on Thursday morning.
The trophy tour kicked off on Monday January 13th at Sunmarke School where pupils were also treated to a golf taster lesson and a special surprise visit from DP World Tour player, Shubhankar Sharma.
The history of the HDDC and its iconic trophy, which is based on a traditional Arabian Peninsula coffee pot (or Dallah), was introduced by Sharma, who became the youngest Indian to win on the European Tour – by more than six years – when he claimed the tri-sanctioned Joburg Open title in December 2017 as a 21-year-old.
The school visits are the latest step in HDDC’s ongoing efforts to grow the game at the grassroots level and inspire the next generation of golfers.
The initiative is held in partnership with The R&A’s Unleash Your Drive in Schools Programme, which is led and managed
locally by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) to encourage schools to implement golf into their curriculum by highlighting it as a fun and un-intimidating sport.
Executive Tournament Director of HDDC, Simon Corkill said: “As the longest running tournament in the Middle East, HDDC is proud to see the impact the tournament has at a local level by inspiring the next generation
of golfers. This week’s Dallah Trophy tour across Dubai’s schools, and the golf taster sessions, are central to our ongoing efforts to growing the game at the grassroots level and nurturing the golfers of tomorrow.”
Shubhankar Sharma said: “It was great to see all the kids trying golf and having fun. I am really proud and happy to be part of this great initiative.”
ABOVE: DP World Tour player, Shubhankar Sharma, made a surprise visit to introduce the kids to a golf taster session.
HEALTH CHECK
Experience Mediclinic’s Health and Wellness Activations at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025.
This year’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic is celebrating the widereaching health and wellness benefits of golf, not only for players but also for spectators. As the event’s official medical sponsor, Mediclinic proudly supports this initiative by offering visitors a chance to explore innovative tools and activities that promote health and wellbeing.
One of the stand’s key attractions is Capsula, an innovative health hub that provides quick and personalised health assessments. Capsula measures essential health parameters such as blood pressure, ageing levels, psycho-physical
DRIVING
SUSTAINABLE GOLF
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) was the first golf event in the Middle East and first within the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified® Tournament status, demonstrating the event’s leadership among sustainable golf events.
The distinction is awarded and assured by the international non-profit GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, and is based on the strength of commitment, breadth and depth of action, and range of tangible measured impacts across a broad sustainability agenda.
Obtaining GEO Certified® status has become a notable achievement showcased by many of the world’s most renowned golf venues and events.
During the tournament this week, there
are new dedicated workshops taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th to provide visitors of all ages with a range of funfilled, engaging activities to improve their understanding of the environment and their role in preserving the earth.
In addition to the activities, high-quality filtered water dispensers, provided by Liquid of Life and Al Laith will be available around the venue, so remember to bring reusable water bottles! The installation of the dispensers aligns with Dubai Can’s sustainability initiative that aims to minimise single-use plastic bottle waste in Dubai.
These sustainability practices are part of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic’s ‘Go For the Green’ initiative, encouraging people to be more eco-friendly, and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the planet.
Visitors are being encouraged to travel by the Dubai Metro with Al Khail Metro Station right outside the Club’s entrance, while those driving can pay AED50 to park with all parking fees being used to plant mangrove trees in Dubai.
Leadership In Sustainability And Climate Action
• Delivering on UN sustainable development goals
• Delivering on the UN decade of action
• Delivering on Dubai 2030 strategic plan, Dubai 2040 urban master plan and UAE commitment to a net zero economy by 2050
• Aligned with the DP World Tour Green Drive
• GEO certified® tournament within 3 years positively impacting communities; demonstrating innovation in resource use; promoting the value of nature.
FINGERS
By harnessing the power of the sun 80% of the area between the 11th and 15th holes is powered by solar panels.
In only a few days, the event recycles over 5 tonnes of glass — enough energy to power a laptop for 312 days
By using refillable alternatives, over 120,000 singleuse plastic bottles are diverted from landfill – and that’s just since the start of the initiative in 2022.
100% B20 biodiesel is used throughout the event, helping towards Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 target of using 75% clean energy.
TIMING IS KEY
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club is always a thrilling start to the year. For the players and their teams, it represents both an exciting challenge and a crucial opportunity. As we are into the backend of this signature Rolex Series event, I caught up with JA the Resorts Liam James, coach of several prominent players, who shared insights into all aspects of his week.
This week is a busy one, but in many ways, it’s a typical week. Seeing all the players again after a break is always enjoyable. The planning, however, is time-consuming. There’s the technical coaching side, of course, but I also like to craft small practice plans for each player based on the challenges the course may present. Stats reports and caddie feedback help shape these plans, and I review them over a coffee before practice begins.
I also spend a lot of time on the course, observing how the players prepare. It’s not just about watching them hit balls – I like to see how they approach the day’s work and review everything afterward. It’s a full schedule, but the excitement and buzz around a Rolex Series event like this make it a fun and rewarding week.
This week, I’m working with seven players: Marcus Armitage, Jorge Campillo, Richard Mansell, Thorbjørn Olesen, Jason Scrivener, Johannes Veerman and Fabrizio Zanotti.
I see this week in two ways. On one hand, it’s an incredible opportunity. As a Rolex Series event, there are plenty of points on
offer, and it’s a great chance for the players to start the year on a strong note. On the other hand, in our team, we do our best to downplay the significance of any single event. We don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on the players. It’s simply another week in the season mentally.
We’ve had a good offseason, and now it’s about building on that momentum. This week is a continuation of the work we’ve done, and it’s a great opportunity to gauge where the players’ games are after the break.
Coaching at this level requires flexibility. While we try to split the time fairly, each player has different needs, so it’s not always a perfectly balanced schedule. Before the event, each player had a clear plan in place, but sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned.
I’ll schedule time with each player, but the focus can vary. Some might want me to check the basics, while others are working through more performance-related challenges. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach here – it’s tailored to what each player needs at that moment.
Each player has a specific focus based on their game and the challenges of the course. Here’s a breakdown of what each is working on:
Marcus Armitage: Improving his hip movement through the ball and testing new equipment for the year.
Jorge Campillo: Focused on improving his wedge play this offseason.
Richard Mansell: Working on launching the ball higher, using better pivot mechanics and a more effective use of the ground.
Thorbjørn Olesen: Working on technical changes, particularly how he rotates his body in the backswing.
Jason Scrivener: Concentrating on his iron play and overall ball control.
Johannes Veerman: Continuing work on his swing, especially on the line the club moves away from the ball, and keeping his head more centered in the backswing. He’s also made some putting changes with his coach, Jon Karlsson.
Fabrizio Zanotti: Focused on improving balance throughout his swing.
Depending on the player’s needs, some guys like to have me there during their warm-up, while others prefer to keep things more independent. I try not to get too technical before a tournament round. The
warm-up should be just that – a chance to get loose and prepare mentally.
During their round, I’ll walk a few holes with the players and watch how they handle the course. We’ll then debrief about it after, discussing what went well and where they can improve.
For recovery, we’ll do a quick warm-down, often focusing on the drills they started the week with. Some players also skip hitting balls after the round to maximise rest and recovery – after all, it’s a long week!
Technology plays a huge role in modern coaching. Devices like TrackMan and FlightScope provide invaluable feedback, especially when preparing for an event. They give us precise data on club performance and help ensure that players’ equipment is in optimal condition. Knowing how far the ball is flying and how the clubs are performing week-to-week is essential.
But technology also allows us to engage players with performance-based challenges, which makes practice more task-oriented and fun. That said, it’s all about balance. Technology is a powerful tool, but the goal is always to keep the focus on what will help the players perform at their best.
Having a solid relationship with the players is crucial. They need to know that everything I say is for their benefit and aimed at making them better at the game. We foster a fun yet constructive environment, and that really helps bring out the best in all of us.
I’m always myself with the players, but I do adapt my coaching style to suit each individual. Some players like a lot of feedback, while others prefer a more simplified message. It’s not always about what you say, but when you say it – timing is key.
ORDER OF PLAY SATURDAY
JANUARY 18, 2025
Plan the day watching your favourite players with this guide to the groupings and tee times.
1. TIME 07:05 HOLE 1
◼ Jayden SCHAPER (RSA) PAR
◼ Daniel GAVINS (ENG) PAR
2. TIME 07:15 HOLE 1
◼ Francesco LAPORTA (ITA) PAR
◼ Nicolai HØJGAARD (DEN) PAR
3. TIME 07:25 HOLE 1
◼ Jordan SMITH (ENG) PAR
◼ Matthew JORDAN (ENG) PAR
◼ Maximilian KIEFFER (GER) PAR
4. TIME 07:35 HOLE 1
◼ Joe DEAN (ENG) PAR
◼ Adrian OTAEGUI (UAE) PAR
◼ Nicolas COLSAERTS (BEL) PAR
5. TIME 07:45 HOLE 1
◼ Fabrizio ZANOTTI (PAR) PAR
◼ Tom VAILLANT (FRA) PAR
◼ Sebastian SÖDERBERG (SWE) PAR
6. TIME 07:55 HOLE 1
◼ David RAVETTO (FRA) PAR
◼ Jens DANTORP (SWE) PAR
◼ Marcel SCHNEIDER (GER) -1
7. TIME 08:05 HOLE 1
◼ Jordan GUMBERG (USA) -1
◼ Grant FORREST (SCO) -1
◼ Romain LANGASQUE (FRA) -1
8. TIME 08:15 HOLE 1
◼ Sam BAIRSTOW (ENG) -1
◼ Jacques KRUYSWIJK (RSA) -1
◼ Joel GIRRBACH (SUI) -1
9. TIME 08:30 HOLE 1
◼ Marcus ARMITAGE (ENG) -1
◼ Rasmus NEERGAARD-PETERSEN (DEN) -1
◼ Andy SULLIVAN (ENG) -1
10. TIME 08:40 HOLE 1
◼ Julien GUERRIER (FRA) -2
◼ Elvis SMYLIE (AUS) -2
◼ Alexander KNAPPE (GER) -2
11. TIME 08:50 HOLE 1
◼ Adam BRESNU (AM) (MAR) -2
◼ Akshay BHATIA (USA) -2
◼ Adam SCOTT (AUS) -2
12. TIME 09:00 HOLE 1
◼ Jeong weon KO (FRA) -2
◼ Matt WALLACE (ENG) -2
◼ Joost LUITEN (NED) -2
13. TIME 09:10 HOLE 1
◼ Angel HIDALGO (ESP) -2
◼ Alexander BJÖRK (SWE) -2
◼ Marcel SIEM (GER) -3
14. TIME 09:20 HOLE 1
◼ Connor SYME (SCO) -3
◼ Rory MCILROY (NIR) -3
◼ Calum HILL (SCO) -3
15. TIME 09:30 HOLE 1
◼ Haotong LI (CHN) -3
◼ Dan BRADBURY (ENG) -3
◼ Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) -3
16. TIME 09:45 HOLE 1
◼ Preston SUMMERHAYS (AM) (USA) -3
◼ Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA) -3
◼ Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) -3
17. TIME 09:55 HOLE 1
◼ Richie RAMSAY (SCO) -3
◼ Keita NAKAJIMA (JPN) -4
◼ Alfredo GARCIA-HEREDIA (ESP) -4
18. TIME 10:05 HOLE 1
◼ Nacho ELVIRA (ESP) -4
◼ Ugo COUSSAUD (FRA) -4
◼ Robert MACINTYRE (SCO) -4
19. TIME 10:15 HOLE 1
◼ Casey JARVIS (RSA) -4
◼ Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT) -4
◼ Ivan CANTERO (ESP) -4
20. TIME 10:25 HOLE 1
◼ David FORD (AM) (USA) -4
◼ Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG) -5
◼ Tom MCKIBBIN (NIR)
21. TIME 10:35 HOLE 1
◼ Jannik DE BRUYN (GER) -5
◼ Patrick REED (USA) -5
◼ Louis DE JAGER (RSA) -5
22. TIME 10:45 HOLE 1
◼ Richard MANSELL (ENG) -5
◼ Niklas NORGAARD (DEN) -5
◼ Guido MIGLIOZZI (ITA) -5
23. TIME 11:00 HOLE 1
◼ Todd CLEMENTS (ENG) -6
◼ David MICHELUZZI (AUS) -6
◼ Ryan FOX (NZL) -6
24. TIME 11:10 HOLE 1
◼ Johannes VEERMAN (USA) -6
◼ Thorbjørn OLESEN (DEN) -7
◼ Ricardo GOUVEIA (POR) -7
25. TIME 11:20 HOLE 1
◼ Robin WILLIAMS (RSA) -7
◼ Rasmus HØJGAARD (DEN) -7
◼ Min Woo LEE (AUS) -7
26. TIME 11:30 HOLE 1
◼ Shaun NORRIS (RSA) -8
◼ Tyrrell HATTON (ENG) -8
◼ Laurie CANTER (ENG) -8
27. TIME 11:40 HOLE 1
◼ Jason SCRIVENER (AUS) -8
◼ Daniel HILLIER (NZL) -11
◼ Ewen FERGUSON (SCO) -12
LAURIE FEEDING OFF EXPERIENCE
THOUGHTS FROM THE FIELD
LAURIE CANTER
You need to be able to hit the fairway a lot.
DANIEL HILLIER
Today a few extra putts went in than I was expecting
LAURIE CANTER credits former Ryder Cup star David Howell for helping him improve his putting ahead of the weekend at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. After carding back-to-back rounds of 68, Canter sits at eight under par.
Canter, who has been driving the ball well and hitting fairways despite challenging rough conditions, says Howell’s advice has brought enjoyment back to his putting. “I asked Howler, he’s a member of the same club as me,” Canter explained. “I felt like if I could pick his brains and how he thought about putting, if any of that rubbed off on me.
“I’ve always kind of had the mindset of I need to practise it, and I particularly enjoyed it. I’ve just asked questions about how he thinks, how I practise, just asked him loads of questions.”
“It is rubbing off on me. I enjoy my practice sessions with him, and I’m enjoying putting at the moment. It’s obviously gone well in the first two days. Last week was pretty steady, too.”
In addition to the putting boost, Canter was motivated by his performance in last week’s Team Cup, where he earned three points in Great Britain & Ireland’s dominant 17-8 victory. His solid all-around game and newfound putting confidence have him in contention heading into the weekend here at Emirates Golf Club.
TYRRELL HATTON
I’m just happy with sort of getting myself back around the leaders
JON RAHM
There is nothing I could see bad about this tournament this week.
JASON SCRIVENER
I’m enthusiastic to improve and get back to where I was.
GET INTO GOLF
PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON , a multiple Major Champion and father of two, has stressed the importance of fostering a love for golf in children before focusing on the skill side of the game.
Speaking ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the Irishman encouraged making the sport of golf enjoyable, getting kids to “smash it, find it, and have fun getting it in the hole.”
Harrington, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2024, notes that parents often rush their children’s progress, forgetting they have plenty of time to improve. He advises parents to step back and allow kids to make mistakes, intervening only when asked.
Pádraig recalls how his own children sometimes saw his advice as criticism, reminding parents to be mindful of their language.
“Even with my own kids, I’d be aware of this and tell my kids things, but they would always tell me if I told them something they took that as a criticism.”
Harrington also recommends taking a few extra minutes after practice to bond with kids, such as sharing a Coca-Cola. This small moment helps children associate positive feelings with the sport, leaving a lasting impression.
Back
1989 - Mark James 277 (-11)
1990 - Eamonn Darcy 276 (-12)
1992 - Seve Ballesteros 272 (-16)
1993 - Wayne Westner 274 (-14)
1994 - Ernie Els 268 (-20)
1995 - Fred Couples 268 (-20)
1996 - Colin Montgomerie 270 (-18)
1997 - Richard Green 272 (-16)
1998 - José Maria Olazábal 269 (-19)
1999 - David Howell 275 (-13)
2000 - José Cóceres 274 (-14)
2001 - Thomas Bjørn 266 (-22)
2002 - Ernie Els 272 (-16)
2003 - Robert-Jan Derksen 271 (-17)
2004 - Mark O’Meara 271 (-17)
2005 - Ernie Els 269 (-19)
2006 - Tiger Woods 269 (-19)
2007 - Henrik Stenson 269 (-19)
2008 - Tiger Woods 274 (-14)
2009 - Rory McIlroy 269 (-19)
2010 - Miguel Ángel Jiménez 277 (-11)
2011 - Álvaro Quirós 277 (-11)
2012 - Rafa Cabrera Bello 270 (-18)
2013 - Stephen Gallacher 266 (-22)
2014 - Stephen Gallacher 272 (-16)
2015 - Rory McIlroy 266 (-22)
2016 - Danny Willett 269 (-19)
2017 - Sergio Garcia 269 (-19)
2018 - Li Haotong 265 (-23)
2019 - Bryson DeChambeau 264 (-24)
2020 - Lucas Herbert 279 (-9)
2021 - Paul Casey 271 (-17)
2022 - Victor Hovland 276 (-12)
2023 - Rory McIlroy 269 (-19)
2024 - Rory McIlroy 270 (-14)
WE’VE CRUNCHED THE NUMBERS ON EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
CONSECUTIVE WINS
Stephen Gallacher: 2013 and 2014
Rory McIlroy: 2023 and 2024
36th
The Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club, is set to host the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the 34th time. The event was twice held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in 1999 and 2000. MOST WINS Rory McIlroy: 2009, 2015, 2023, 2024
1989: €251,708.00 (Winner’s share €58,324.00) 2025: $9,000,000.00 (Winner’s share: $1,530,000.00)
OLDEST WINNER
Mark O’Meara 47 years and 54 days, 2004
YOUNGEST WINNER
Rory McIlroy 19 years and 273 days, 2009
MOST BIRDIES IN ONE ROUND
(DP WORLD TOUR RECORD) Ernie Els - 1994
Biggest final round comeback by a winner: Lucas Herbert, 2020
Hovland
Eamonn Darcy, 1990
Seve Ballesteros, 1992
Ernie Els, 1994; José Coceres, 2000
Rory McIlroy, 2009
Sergio Garcia, 2017
HOLESIN-ONE
Miguel Ángel Jiménez 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 1990
Chris Moody 11th Hole, Rnd 3, 1990
Mark McNulty 11th Hole, Rnd 3, 1990
José Cóceres 7th Hole, Rnd 2, 1992
Wayne Westner
7th Hole, Rnd 1, 1995
José Cóceres 4th Hole, Rnd 1, 1996
Roger Wessels 7th Hole, Rnd 2, 1996
Peter Hedblom 15th Hole, Rnd 2, 1996
Stuart Cage 8th Hole, Rnd 1, 1999 (Dubai Creek)
Peter Downie 16th Hole, Rnd 1, 2000 (Dubai Creek)
2024 TOUGHEST HOLES
HOLE 9
488 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.29) HOLE 12
476 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.24) HOLE 8
459 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.22)
149
HIGH CUT (+5), 1989
Henrik Bjørnstad 7th Hole, Rnd 4, 2002
Brad Kennedy 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 2004
Yasin Ali 7th Hole, Rnd 1, 2005
Nobuhito Sato 15th Hole, Rnd 1, 2005
Stephen Gallacher 4th Hole, Rnd 4, 2005
Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 2007
Miguel Ángel Jiménez 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2008
Louis Oosthuizen 11th hole, Rnd 2, 2009
David Howell 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2011
Keith Horne 4th hole, Rnd 2, 2011
Raphaël Jacquelin 7th hole, Rnd 3, 2011
Álvaro Quirós 11th hole, Rnd 4, 2011
Stephen Gallacher 15th hole, Rnd 1, 2012
Martin Kaymer 7th hole, Rnd 2, 2012
Álvaro Quirós 4th hole, Rnd 4, 2015
Grégory Bourdy 11th hole, Rnd 3, 2017
Matthew Southgate 7th hole, Rnd 2, 2018
Alexander Levy 5th hole, Rnd 3, 2018
Kristoffer Broberg 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2019
Nacho Elvira 11th hole, Rnd 1, 2021
Ryan Fox 4th hole, Rnd 3, 2022
Luke Donald 4th hole, Rnd 2, 2024
*All at Emirates G.C. unless noted
Tournament radio presenters Richard Boxall (L) and John Hawksworth (R)
Viktor Hovland
Thorbjørn Olesen
Laurie Canter
Richie Ramsay David Ford (Amateur)
Robert MacIntyre
Paul Waring
Rory McIlroy
Ryan Fox
Dallah trophy
FEELING GOOD
PROMOTING HEALTH & WELLNESS IN GOLF: Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025 launches spectator
Step Fore It challenge
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025 is celebrating the wide-reaching health and wellness benefits of golf for both spectators and players with the launch of Step Fore It, an exciting new initiative that will challenge tournament visitors to rack up as many steps as possible throughout the event – with prizes for those topping the leaderboard.
The healthy spectator stats that inspired Step Fore It
Research shows that golf spectators average over 11,500 steps per day at events, offering a unique combination of physical activity, outdoor enjoyment, and social interaction. In a world grappling with the health risks of inactivity, golf provides a fun, accessible way to get moving. Each year, over 10 million people attend golf tournaments, collectively walking millions of steps. At The 152nd Open over 168 million steps were taken by spectators across Royal Troon whilst at events like the Schengen Open, spectators walked the equivalent of the Great Wall of China, and Ryder Cup fans covered four times the globe’s circumference.
Step Fore It
Step Fore It was conceptualised by the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as part of The R&A’s Golf Is Good campaign supported by the Emirates Golf Federation. Designed to encourage spectators of all ages to embrace an active lifestyle, this initiative encourages audiences to get moving while enjoying the tournament. Whether it’s strolling between holes or taking in the action at key viewing spots - every step will count.
Participants can register upon entry by signing up at a designated counter in Tournament Town from 7am daily. They can track their steps throughout the day and submit their final count by 6pm on Thursday to Saturday or by 4pm on Sunday. Each day, the top three participants with the highest step counts will win exclusive prizes.
Swing into health – the physical benefits of playing golf
As well as being a healthy sport for spectators, golf is one of the healthiest sports to play, with regular golfers enjoying a longer-then-average life span. Research commissioned by The R&A has shown that playing a round of golf offers a unique combination of health benefits thanks to moderate, long-duration physical activity. Golfers who walk the courses, which can be up to eight miles, can rack up to 17,000 steps and burn up to 1,200 calories over 18 holes. Even those using a golf cart gain health benefits, covering up to 6,000 steps and four miles per round, burning an average of 600 calories.
Regular play contributes to improved overall health, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like hip fractures, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and certain cancers. Additionally, the increased physical activity has a positive impact on mental well-being.
Player Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone returns for second year
In addition to the Step Fore It spectator initiative, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will once again feature the innovative Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone for the 2025 edition. As one of the first tournaments in the world to introduce such a facility, it continues to set a new standard by prioritising health and wellness in professional golf. After a successful launch in 2024, the Zone is designed to support players’ mental and physical well-being, providing a dedicated space to manage stress, enhance focus, and maintain peak performance levels.
Located within SENSASIA Urban Spa at Emirates Golf Club, the Zone offers a range of services including mental fitness training, sleep chambers, mindfulness sessions, and nourishing brain-boosting foods. Players can also experience virtual reality for visualization, along with one-on-one consultations with mental health professionals.
