This week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic defending champion Bryson DeChambeau can’t wait to get going as he looks to repeat the fun of last year’s memorable seven-shot triumph.
“I’m honoured to be back,” he said on the eve of the opening round. “I love this city. I think it’s an incredible place, desert golf has always suited my style of play and I had a lot of fun last year so let’s hopefully do it again.”
DeChambeau tees off alongside fellow past champion Henrik Stenson and last week’s winner in Abu Dhabi, Lee Westwood, at 8:00am from the tenth tee and he’s happy with the condition that the course is in, despite an increase in the height of the rough on last year.
“The greens are perfect,” he said. “The rough is longer this year, which is pretty interesting and I also just love hitting it off the fairways out here. It’s a lot of great fun, and a lot of scoring opportunities.
“I feel like my wedge game is much improved and I’m looking forward to the new test this week with the rough being a little bit longer.
“Being in the fairway is going to be key, but if you have a great wedge game, you can get up-and-down and fix any mistakes.
“Last year, I didn’t drive it my absolute best but I was still able to get it done. It’s going to take great ball-striking, iron play, and making a lot of putts this week.” – Bryson DeChambeau
“I’d say all in all, Dubai is one of my favourite places to be, just because of how technologically advanced I feel like the place is, and this golf course is in immaculate shape.”
The American is looking to become the fifth multiple winner of the event, following Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Stephen Gallacher, with the latter the only player in history to successfully win back-to-back titles in 2013-14.
