How the Dubai Desert Classic has changed in 35 years

How Dubai golf has changed since 1987

This week’s HERO Dubai Desert Classic celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. We spoke to the Emirate Club’s Manager, Dean Nelson, to find out how it has changed Dubai golf.

This year sees defending champ Rory McIlroy playing alongside some of the world’s biggest stars, all competing for the $9million prize pool at this prestigious DP World Tour Rolex Series event, held at Emirates Golf Club – one of the best courses in the Middle East.

When founded in 1989, it was the first European Tour event to be staged in the Arabian Peninsula, but it is currently one of six.

The tournament is part of a wider strategy, via a government program called ‘Dubai Golf’, to develop both professional and casual golf tourism in Dubai. Visit the Dubai Golf website here 

It’s gone from the first ever Tour event in the Middle East to one of the biggest on the DP World Tour, and the list of winners over 35 years includes the likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie and Seve Ballesteros.

It was the scene of Rory’s first victory as a floppy-haired professional in 2009; it saw Thomas Bjorn hold off Tiger in his pomp in 2001; and in 2022, Viktor Hovland cemented his Ryder Cup place with victory.

We asked Dean Nelson, Club Manager at Emirates Golf Club, to tell us how the event has changed Dubai Golf, how they cater for the superstars and what the future might hold for the event…

How has the tournament developed over the decades?

The event has grown over the years and became Rolex Series Event in 2022, marking its level as one of the most prominent events on the tour’s calendar.

How has Dubai developed as a golf destination?

Dubai now offers 12 courses, all within an hour of each other, making it a very convenient destination for golf. The course conditions and designs as well as the clubhouse experiences are some of the finest in world golf.

Did you even see the event becoming so big? 

Dubai is a visionary destination and golf has grown with the city over the years. In turn, the event grew and in 2022 was given the status as a Rolex series Event, of which there are only five on the calendar.

How has it impacted the community?

This is a marquee event for golf fans in Dubai, with features in the fan village such as kids activations, live music as well as unrivalled hospitality. There’s tuition for new golfers as well as educational zones. The event is now a GEO certified tournament. With over 16 food trucks on site, there are a huge variety of dining options for all to enjoy.

What’s been your favourite moment? 

Thomas Bjorn winning in in 2001, where he won by two shots over Tiger Woods when Tiger was at the peak of his career – amazing! Thomas played all four rounds with him, making the win even more special for Thomas. 

What shots do you remember most? 

Colin Montgomerie’s driver off the deck on the last hole to help win in 1996 was an outstanding golf shot and still one of the best shots in the event’s history. 

What are the challenges of hosting such a major sporting event?

Getting the course in the expected levels of condition can be the biggest challenge. We overseed the rough, tees and green surrounds and ensuring this grows in, to get the best playing surfaces takes a lot of hard work and we need the weather to play its part. We are always looking to improve the course and our goals are to make sure the course is a fair test and provides the best playing experience for all the pros.

What was it like having Tiger Woods play?

Having Tiger play in any event always raises the profile and we would love to have Tiger come back and play again! He’s a two-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic and having him come for the first time in 2001 really helped grow the events stature.

Has the course changed much to fit the modern game? 

As players have got stronger and technology has evolved, we have added new tees to enhance the challenge of the golf course. Three years ago, the greens were rebuilt, and the sizes increased slightly to add more varied pin positions.

What’s are the plans for the future?

At Emirates Golf Club, we are always seeking new ways to improve and push boundaries. This will continue as we strive to improve the course conditions, services we offer and the challenges that our courses provide.

Dubai Desert Classic winners

2023    Rory McIlroy

2022    Viktor Hovland

2021    Paul Casey

2020    Lucas Herbert

2019    Bryson DeChambeau

2018    Li Haotong

2017    Sergio García

2016    Danny Willett

2015    Rory McIlroy

2014    Stephen Gallacher

2013    Stephen Gallacher

2012    Rafa Cabrera-Bello

2011    Álvaro Quirós

2010    Miguel Ángel Jiménez

2009    Rory McIlroy

2008    Tiger Woods

2007    Henrik Stenson

2006    Tiger Woods

2005    Ernie Els

2004    Mark O’Meara

2003    Robert-Jan Derksen

2002    Ernie Els

2001    Thomas Bjørn

2000    José Cóceres

1999    David Howell

1998    José María Olazábal

1997    Richard Green

1996    Colin Montgomerie

1995    Fred Couples

1994    Ernie Els

1993    Wayne Westner

1992    Seve Ballesteros

1991    Cancelled due to the Gulf War

1990    Eamonn Darcy

1989    Mark James