Dubai (UAE): Spanish Ryder Cup star Miguel Angel Jimenez will be hoping to put behind him his last hole disappointment of 2005 when he joins the star-studded field at the $2.4 million Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club this week.
Last year, Jimenez looked set to win the Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL)-sponsored tournament before a last-gasp eagle by Ernie Els secured a third Classic crown for the South African and left the Spaniard near to tears.
After what was the most dramatic piece of golfing theatre in the history of the PGA European Tour event, Jimenez – who had led or shared the lead since the start of round two – was obviously devastated.
"It was very hard to lose but it was a nice comeback from Ernie that lasted two days," said Jimenez, joint runner-up with Welshman Stephen Dodd, who later went on to win the 2005 Celtic Manor Wales Open. "I never thought he was going to make eagle but he did and I missedâ?¦ that’s golf. Someone has to be first, second, third and fourth."
In 2004, the Spaniard was Europe’s most prolific winner claiming four titles during a stunning season as he once again established himself as one of the leading figures in European golf. Indeed, when coupled with the end of 2003, Jimenez won five times during The Ryder Cup qualifying period to earn a second Ryder Cup cap and performed with distinction as Europe raced to a record victory at Oakland Hills.
But heroics are nothing new for a man whose flamboyant hairstyles earn him as much attention as his golfing prowess. He also finished fourth on the Order of Merit in 1998, the highlight coming in the Trophée Lancôme, where he chipped in for a birdie two at the last to snatch the title – and the award for Shot of the Year.
Jimenez also finished fourth in 1999, where apart from his win at Montecastillo and in the Turespaña Masters Open Andalucia, he finished second in the WGC – American Express Championship, where he lost to Tiger Woods in a play-off.
"Miguel Angel is a great friend of the tournament and played his part in such a wonderful climax to the event in 2005 with that last hole battle with Ernie," said Mohamed Buamim, Vice Chairman of Golf in DUBAI, promoters and organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic. "I’m sure he made a great deal of friends the last time he was here and will again prove to be a popular player later this week."
Besides Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) as the main sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic, CNN International, Emaar, Dubai Waterfront by Nakheel, and Samsung as co-sponsors, other sponsors include: Emirates as official airline and Hole In One Sponsor; official caterer, hotel and challenge match sponsor Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa; Official Bank National Bank of Dubai; official courtesy car BMW; and event newspaper Gulf News.
Contact:
Alan Ewens
Dubai Desert Classic Media Manager
PO Box 52465, Dubai.
Tel/Fax: 04 3512887
Mob: 050 4514188
alan2804@emirates.net.ae
www.dubaidesertclassic.com
