WE should all keep things realistic and on track when it comes to Tiger Woods whereabouts. Yes, it would be great to have the 14-time Major Champion back in the UAE but we need to face facts:
WE WOULD KNOW
If he’s been signed up by ‘golf in Dubai’ to play the 2017 Dubai Desert Classic it has to be the worst best-kept secret in golf. He’s still the main draw in golf and not to utilise the announcement to maximise ticket sales and hype around the event would be madness. Especially with so many big names lined up for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

TIGER CLOSE TO ROLEX
Tiger remains a Rolex ambassador and they have stood by him during his rehab period, so playing in an Omega-sponsored event would not go down to well. With everyone looking forward to this year’s Rolex Series perhaps the Desert Classic is not so appropriate.

INJURY PREVENTION
But before we start believing Tiger might come to town we need to remember that with a net worth of close to $700 million he’s not in this merely for the money. He’s in it to win it and prove to the world he’s still The Man. So making sure he’s fully fit and injury free will be his main priority. Flying half way round the world for one tournament doesn’t make much sense for anyone with a suspect back, let alone Tiger.

CONFIRMED FOR THE GENESIS OPEN
Tiger has just committed to the 2017 Genesis Open on the 16th of February, obviously with an eye on the Masters Tournament at the start of April. So take a look at the tournaments he normally likes to play at the start of the season: Well, the Farmers Insurance Open starts on the 26th of January at Torrey Pines, an event he’s won seven times and a course he knows inside and out. It’s a great confidence builder and less than five hours travelling from his home in Orlando compared to 17 hours to the UAE.
KEEPING THINGS CLOSE TO HOME
Then we have the week of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic that clashes with the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, an event he’s never won. Money’s no object for Tiger but with $6.7 million in prize money on offer and just 1 hour from San Diego this may be more appealing.

SO WHEN DO WE EXPECT TO MAKE A REALISTIC RETURN TO THE UAE?
Second-guessing Tiger’s comeback dates has proved perilous over recent months and only Tiger and his manager Mark Steinberg know the answer but the US President Elect Donald Trump could have a part to play. As Tiger’s course, Oxygen at DAMAC Properties Akoya development, will have an impact on his schedule as a golf course designer. Though will he bring his clubs?