Tiger Woods tees off at the eighth as the Dubai Desert Classic celebrates its 25th year by inviting all former winners to compete in Tuesday's Champions Challenge -- a warm-up event to Thursday's main event.
Classic Dubai —
Tiger Woods tees off at the eighth as the Dubai Desert Classic celebrates its 25th year by inviting all former winners to compete in Tuesday's Champions Challenge -- a warm-up event to Thursday's main event.
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When the Desert Classic started in 1989, Dubai was little more than a sleepy trading post in the United Arab Emirates -- in total contrast to the key role that a city awash with money and skyscrapers has today.
Desert Vision —
When the Desert Classic started in 1989, Dubai was little more than a sleepy trading post in the United Arab Emirates -- in total contrast to the key role that a city awash with money and skyscrapers has today.
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Other former winners include Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie and Spanish duo Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez, with the champions posing with the distinct trophy alongside Mohamed Juma Buamaim, the vice-chairman and CEO of Golf In Dubai.
Illustrious list —
Other former winners include Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie and Spanish duo Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez, with the champions posing with the distinct trophy alongside Mohamed Juma Buamaim, the vice-chairman and CEO of Golf In Dubai.
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Only one former champion could not be present on Tuesday but the late Seve Ballesteros, who died in 2011, was represented by son Javier, 23, a keen amateur golfer currently studying for a law degree.
Proud Representative —
Only one former champion could not be present on Tuesday but the late Seve Ballesteros, who died in 2011, was represented by son Javier, 23, a keen amateur golfer currently studying for a law degree.
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Stephen Gallacher of Scotland will bid to become the first man to successfully defend his title at the Desert Classic later this week.
Flowing Fairway —
Stephen Gallacher of Scotland will bid to become the first man to successfully defend his title at the Desert Classic later this week.
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Former world number one Fred Couples was in typically relaxed mood as he enjoyed his day in the sun, partnering both Woods and Gallacher in the final pairing.
Happy Couples —
Former world number one Fred Couples was in typically relaxed mood as he enjoyed his day in the sun, partnering both Woods and Gallacher in the final pairing.
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Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Rafa Cabrera-Bello of Spain share the Champions Challenge trophy after both finished six under par in the warm-up to Thursday's main event.
Set Sail for Success? —
Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Rafa Cabrera-Bello of Spain share the Champions Challenge trophy after both finished six under par in the warm-up to Thursday's main event.
David Cannon/Getty Images
Only one player has competed in every Desert Classic -- English golfer Barry Lane, who holds up the driver he used in the original tournament in 1989. Lane will compete this week in what he says will be his last outing at the event.
Lane Man —
Only one player has competed in every Desert Classic -- English golfer Barry Lane, who holds up the driver he used in the original tournament in 1989. Lane will compete this week in what he says will be his last outing at the event.
David Cannon/Getty Images