Latest world rankings prove Dubai Desert Classic is best ever

The news that Retief Goosen and Ernie Els have both moved one step closer to world number one Tiger Woods means that when the $2.4 million Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL)-sponsored event tees off on February 2, Dubai will have three of the world's top four players in the 120-man field.

While Woods maintains his lofty position at the top of the ranking, Goosen and Els have moved to third and fourth respectively to underline the massive appeal of a tournament that is currently enjoying unprecedented ticket sales.

"The latest rankings simply underline what the public already know and that is that the field for the 2006 Dubai Desert Classic is the biggest gathering of top-ranked stars since the tournament was first staged over the Majlis Course in 1989," said Mohamed Buamim, vice chairman of Golf in DUBAI (GiD) the organizers and promoters of the Dubai Desert Classic.

"And the fans in the UAE obviously agree as ticket sales are up 25 per cent on the same period last year so we expect the galleries at the Emirates Golf Club to reflect the quality of the field."

With Tiger Woods - arguably the world's most famous sportsman - set to make his third Dubai Desert Classic appearance in six years, online ticket sales are at record highs but spectators are reminded that sales through the website www.dubaidesertclassic.com will end on January 28.

"Tickets are also available at all the golf clubs in Dubai as well as outlets of a+e," added Buamim. "Fans know how good this field is. As well as three of the world's top four players, we will also have the winners of 19 Majors on the course, including European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam."

For Woosnam - who was world number one himself for some 50 weeks - this will be a welcome return to the Majlis Course. Just 11 months ago at the 2005 Desert Classic, the 1991 Masters champion was unveiled to the world's media as Europe's Ryder Cup skipper. And with just over six months until Europe and the USA go head-to-head again in golf's greatest team tournament at the K Club in Ireland, the Welshman will enjoy the chance to assess his possible charges at one of the most popular venues on the Tour calendar.

Besides Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) as the main sponsor of the 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 & Spa; Official Bank National Bank of Dubai; official courtesy car BMW; and event newspaper Gulf News.