Five best Tiger Woods outings at Dubai Desert Classic

Tiger Woods memorably teed off from the helipad atop the Burj Al Arab Hotel ahead of the competition in 2004. David Cannon / Getty Images

Woods with the Coffee Pot trophy in 2006. David Cannon / Getty Images

The likes of Michael Schumacher and Roger Federer, left, watched the American in action in 2007. Andrew Redington / Getty Images

His fist-pump was just as memorable as his win in 2008. Andrew Redington / Getty Images

UAE golf received a major boost on Thursday, when Tiger Woods was confirmed to play the Omega Dubai Desert Classic from February 2-5. It will be the 14-time major champion’s eighth appearance at Emirates Golf Club, where he has registered two victories. Here are his five best Dubai displays.

2001: Tied-2nd

Then the world's undisputed best golfer, and on the back of an historic 2000 that comprised nine wins and three consecutive major titles, Woods debuted in Dubai and almost did not disappoint. The big-hitting American was leading by one shot going into the final round, but he dunked his approach on 18 into the water and lost by two. Thomas Bjorn, the eventual winner who played every round alongside Woods, told The National some years later, "That was a pretty special four days."

2004: Tied-5th

Woods was not quite as commanding on his second appearance, when an up-and-down weekend threw up a 69-68 and wrecked his chances of taking the title. However, he would still enjoy his time in Dubai, since good friend and mentor Mark O’Meara clinched the Coffee Pot trophy. The highlight of week, though, was Woods’s golf shoot from the helipad of the Burj Al Arab – the pictures were shown all around the world.

2006: Win

The year the tournament got its heavyweight showdown, when Woods birdied the final two holes on Sunday to force a play-off with Ernie Els, the defending champion seeking a fourth Dubai crown. The South African came unstuck on the first play-off hole, when his approach found the water. Woods displayed typical nerve to hole for par and capture the title for the first time. Such was the drama, the television broadcast overran by 45 minutes.

2007: Tied-3rd

Back to defend, Woods arrived at Emirates Golf Club as both the reigning British Open champion and winner of the 2006 PGA Championship. Having gotten into contention, he struggled with his putter on Sunday and shot a 69, which left him trailing winner Henrik Stenson by two. Then a Dubai resident, Stenson was a popular victor, although Woods was cheered on that week by Roger Federer and Michael Schumacher.

2008: Win

Woods’s second Dubai victory was even more remarkable than his first. The American had opened with a 65, but come the back nine on Sunday, found himself four shots off the pace. Cue a typical Tiger charge. Woods birdied five of the final seven holes to overtake Ernie Els and Martin Kaymer and win by a single stroke, with birdie on 18 one of the most memorable shots in tournament history. Woods’s fist-pump celebration once the putt dropped was just as striking.

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