MAJOR MAGNETISM

PIONEERING. ICONIC. REVERED. THE UNDISPUTED ‘MAJOR OF THE MIDDLE EAST’. THE 32ND EDITION OF THE DESERT SWING’S ORIGINAL SHOWPIECE HAS ATTRACTED ANOTHER QUALITY FIELD TO THE HALLOWED MAJLIS LAYOUT AT EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

- KENT GRAY

ONE NEIGHBOUR HAS gold- starred Rolex Series status and the lure of an $8 million purse, another the fiscal ambition to make up for lost time as the youngest Desert Swing event.

But for historical significance, kindly refer to the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic’s champion’s honours board. The Dallah is still the darling of the European Tour’s Middle East swing.

Just ask 2021 drawcard Collin Morikawa who is keen to see his name inscribed on the Dallah trophy alongside those of Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

“When you look back at some of the players who have won the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, you realise that it is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world and I’m looking forward to trying to add my name to the roll of honour,” said the reigning U.S. PGA champion.

Morikawa would be a fitting addition to an honours board oozing class. The Majlis layout at Emirates Golf Club invariably unearths quality champions and the Californian, 24 on Feb. 6, is part of a new breed of 20-somethings at the forefront of a new era for the game.