Tiger Woods took on the sixth title in the last seven events and won for the second time the Dubai Desert Classic tournament, finishing at 14-under 274, one shot ahead of Martin Kaymer from Germany. Woods reclaimed the title here after winning in 2006 and ending up third one year later.  

The first two days of the Emirates Golf Club Tournament found Woods on top of the list. However, Woods had to overcome a four-stroke deficit coming from three-time-winner of this tournament, Ernie Els. Fortunately for him, Els missed on the 11th and 12th holes, which brought Woods back into the equation.

“It’s an ideal start to the year, to go two for two is a pretty good start,” 32-year-old Woods said. “I felt good today with my putting stroke. Yesterday it was a touch off but today I feel like I rolled the ball well.”

Woods and Els have had a similar encounter in the 2006 tournament, when Woods managed to beat the three-time-winner of the Dubai Desert Classic for the first time, in a very disputed play-off. One year later, Swedish professional golfer Henrik Stenson became the Dubai winner, leaving both Woods and South Africa’s Els looking forward to another chance to victory here.

Els finished 12-under and hadn’t it been for that final hole, we would have seen another Woods – Els play-off. Unfortunately for Els, his second shot landed in the water and the chances to victory were compromised for the South African player.

The Dubai Desert Classic annual professional golf tournament first started in 1989 and is now known for attracting some of the biggest names in golf, with this year being no exception. As of 2009, the $10 million Dubai World Championship is said to challenge the P.G.A. FedEx Cup and become probably one of golf’ biggest attractions.