Golf News: - Posted 16th February 1998

Dubai Classic and Qater Masters will go ahead despite Gulf crisis

Wentworth, Surrey - The next two events on the European golf tour, the Dubai Desert Classic and Qatar Masters, are not in danger from the new Gulf crisis, tour executive said director Ken Schofield.

Schofield, who seven years ago was involved in the decision to cancel the Desert Classic following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, insisted: "We are intent on playing both.

"It appears a different scenario this time. Saddam Hussein is in his lair and it is us talking of attacking him."

The ninth Dubai Desert Classic begins on Thursday week, boasting a field that includes Greg Norman, Tom Lehman, Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els, and is followed immediately by the inaugural Qatar Masters.