Lee Westwood will lock horns with world No 1 Tiger Woods when he launches the
defence of his European Order of Merit title in the 2001 Dubai Desert Classic
at the Emirates Golf Club from March 1-4.
Westwood said: "I intend starting the new season in Sun City by defending the
Dimension Data Pro-Am title with my dad before starting my European Tour
campaign in the Dubai Desert Classic
"I know there will be plenty of players trying to knock me off my No 1 perch
next season but that makes the challenge all the more exciting. The fact that
Tiger is playing in Dubai makes the tournament even bigger and I'm looking
forward to playing against him at the Emirates Golf Club which is a course
that always produces some great attacking golf.
"I've always loved playing in Dubai and have enjoyed some high finishes
without managing to put my name of that magnificent trophy. Hopefully I can
do that - and beat Tiger in the process - in 2001."
