Rory McIlroy set for Dubai Desert Classic bid

Rory McIlroy will challenge Scotland's Stephen Gallacher in a fortnight's time. Picture: AP

McIlroy and Gallacher were in the same group along with Tiger Woods for the opening two rounds for the event’s 25th anniversary at the Emirates Golf Club last year, before locking horns again over the final 18 holes.

Two in front heading into the final round, Gallacher was overtaken by McIlroy after just six holes, before coming home in 33 to become the first player to claim the coveted crown back-to-back.

Despite missing out on that occasion, McIlroy, who starts his 2015 season in this week’s HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship, has fond memories of the Dubai event, having claimed his first European Tour title in the same event as a 19-year-old in 2009.

“I’ve got great memories of Dubai and it will be fun to get back to a golf course where I have enjoyed success over the years,” said the 25-year-old Ulsterman, who also made his first cut in a European Tour tournament as a 17-year-old amateur at the 2007 event.

“It was nice to get my first professional win in Dubai,” added the four-times major winner. “I had my parents there with me and it was a special moment that I will never forget. That win was a real stepping stone for the success that followed and my relationship with Dubai went from strength to strength.”

Woods is not playing on this occasion after announcing on Friday that he will be starting his season in the Phoenix Open taking place at the same time.

But five other European Ryder Cup players from Gleneagles – Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood – are also among those confirmed for this year’s event.

“They have an outstanding field all the time, and the golf course [Majlis] is really in great shape,” said McIlroy. “Obviously, I will be looking to win the event again.”

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai, is delighted that McIlroy is spearheading the field for an event dubbed the ‘Major of the Middle East’.

“We are delighted to welcome back a standout player in a field which exudes the energy of a major with all those big names battling for glory in Dubai,” he said. “We have seen him first compete as an amateur in 2006 and now we will see him contest as the world number one for the first time.”