Record turn out at Dubai Desert Classic

Promoted and organised by 'golf in DUBAI,' the tournament once against a attracted a stellar cast, spearheaded by Woods (who also won in 2006), 2007 winner Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood and Jeev Milkha Singh among other superstars.

It also turned to be a big hit with golfing fans from all over the world.

A record 62,446 fans turned up the Emirates Golf Club to watch the proceedings during the Classic week, beating the previous best 55,606 in 2007. The record hits clearly showed the exploits of the world's leading golfers may be a standard television fare worldwide, but despite the over-exposure, they do not pall.

The third day on Saturday recorded the best turn out with 17,451 people coming to the venue to watch the 'Big Boys' in action in pleasant sunshine.

Eagles and birdies were recorded in heaps much to the delight of the spectators at the Majlis course, described by almost all in the strong 120-field as in 'great shape.'

A total of 29 eagles, 1195 birdies, 4,374 pars, 1,070 bogeys and 115 double bogeys were carded during the four-day tournament. The closing 564-yard, par-five 18th hole alone produced 5 eagles while a maximum of 172 birdies were scored on the 550-yard, par-5, 13th.

The 463-yard, par-4, ninth turned out to be the most difficult hole as it produced 21 double bogeys, while the par-4 sixth saw a maximum of 123 bogeys. That's just for the records.

'We are really delighted with the overwhelming success of the tournament. I would like to thank all the players for producing such an exciting fare to make the event a memorable affair,' said Mohammed Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAI', the promoters and organisers of the event.

'Millions of people who watched the proceedings on TV and all those who turned up at the Emirates Golf Club couldn't have asked for such a great finish. A remarkable rise in TV ratings, website hits, ticket sale … all present a good advertisement not only for the tournament, but also for the city of Dubai, now a golfer's paradise,'

added Buamaim.

golf in DUBAI' is backed by Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the main partner and Emirates-NBD, Emaar, Jumeirah Hotels, Emirates airline, BMW, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Gulf News, Omega and CNN as partners in its drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.