AMATEURS' CHANCE TO PARTNER TIGER IN PRO-AM

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE.
Organisers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic are offering amateur golfers the chance of a lifetime to play alongside Tiger Woods during the curtain-raising pro-am tournament at the Emirates Golf Club on February 9, 2011.
Amateur golfers holding a valid handicap may visit the tournament website – www.golfindubai.org – to register online for free. A draw will be held two weeks before the start of the European Tour event to pick the lucky winner, who will join Woods and two other amateurs in the pro-am, the traditional curtain-raiser a day before the main competition.
The winner will also receive two season ‘golf in DUBAi’ hospitality tickets. The maximum handicap limit for entering the draw is 28 for men and 30 for women.
With Woods confirming his participation, the tournament has already started making waves if the brisk sale of tickets online is any indication. Woods will be chasing his third win in Dubai to match the feat of South Africa’s Ernie Els.
Woods himself is looking forward playing this part of the world in what he regards as "a fantastic event" at the Emirates Golf Club, the scene of his triumphs in 2006 and 2008.
“The level of competition has always been extremely high so I know I’ll have to play my best golf if I’m going to regain my title,” said Woods on his Twitter account. 
“It’s a great venue, the (Majlis) course is always in immaculate condition and the weather reminds me of back home in Florida.”
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “The very intention behind having this online draw is to encourage amateurs to be part of the fun. Playing alongside Tiger is a dream of every player. I am sure the lucky one, male or female, will learn quite a few things about the game just watching him play up close and personal.
“Having the world’s greatest golfer play in your event is something many tournament organisers dream of, so for us to be able to welcome him to the Majlis Course for the sixth time in ten years is a major boost for golf in the Middle East, especially Dubai.
“Woods has always been a great ambassador for golf in Dubai, having spoken highly of the city and the tournament during his visits here. We hold him in high esteem. His presence always brings new energy to the tournament.

+++ Tiger Woods had a cortisone injection in his right ankle 10 days ago to relieve lingering soreness. By Tuesday this week, he was back to work hitting balls and filming a commercial.
Mark Steinberg, his agent at IMG, said Woods had intended all along to have the injection after the Chevron World Challenge, which ended December 5. Woods has nearly two months off before his next tournament at Torrey Pines.
"This was always the plan," Steinberg said. "He's looking at 2011 as a big year for him."
At this year's Masters, Woods revealed he ruptured the Achilles' tendon in his right leg in December 2008 while recovering from knee surgery. Steinberg says it still causes soreness, prompting the cortisone shot.
Steinberg spoke in response to Internet chatter that Woods had torn his Achilles while skiing. He said Woods has not skied in more than three years.
Woods posted two tweets Tuesday of photos from his EA Sports shoot at Isleworth, referring to one as a "tough day at the office."
Woods is coming off the first winless season of his career, although he showed strong signs of turning his game around at the Chevron World Challenge. He lost a four-shot lead on the final day and was beaten by U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell in a play-off.