FRED COUPLES TO PLAY IN OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE
Fred Couples, the first American to win the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 1995, has confirmed he will return to the Emirates Golf Club for the 2012 edition of the tournament.
Captain of the winning US team in the recent Presidents Cup, Couples will join some of the world’s leading players in the $2.5 million event from February 9 to 12.
One of most popular players in the United States, Couples, at 52, is still a force to reckon with. The 1992 Masters Tournament champion left the field marvelling in awe when he won the AT and T Championship by a good seven shots, the largest margin on the US Champions (Seniors) Tour last year.
It was his second win of the 2011 season and sixth since joining the Champions Tour in 2010, while his best finish on the US PGA Tour last year was tied seventh at the Northern Trust Open. Currently ranked 26th in Career Earnings on the US PGA Tour, Couples is looking forward to playing in Dubai and, hopefully, reviving old memories.
“I have so many good memories of the city and it will be fun to play with all of The European Tour players who are dominating the world golf rankings these days,” said Couples, who boasts 15 US PGA Tour wins besides making it to five Ryder Cup and four Presidents Cup teams.
“I really want to do well. The good thing is that I am feeling great and my body is in good shape. Though it’s been quite a while since I last visited Dubai, I keep hearing good stories about how dramatically the city has grown over the years.
“If you look at the tournament’s roll of honour, it includes so many great names and that’s a tribute to the growing profile of the event,” added the American who received a cheque for $112,500 for his win in 1995. The winner’s purse has since been increased to $416,660.
“I am grateful to golf in DUBAi for the invitation. I can’t wait to get started since I like desert golf and love playing in Dubai.”
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi commented: “We feel a deep sense of pride as we welcome back our former champion. Fred is a great ambassador for the game and the one who enjoys tremendous fan-following all over the world.
“He has been around for a long time, but he continues to find a measure of success. His presence will certainly be a big boost for our event and it will be a treat to watch his seemingly effortless swing that can produce long drives. I wish him the very best and hope he has a pleasant stay in Dubai.”
'Golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor.
The co-sponsors are: CNN, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jumeirah, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.