O'Meara sets sights on grand slam of majors

DUBAI - Mark O'Meara has set his sights on becoming only the fifth player in golf history to win all four major championships -- even though he is now 42.

The American, who landed the U.S. Masters and British Open titles in a remarkable double triumph last year, believes he can still emulate Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

O'Meara outlined his ambition on the eve of Europe's top event of the season so far, the $1.2 million Desert Classic, in which he will confront an impressive field at the severe Dubai Creek course starting on Thursday.

"After 1998, it's going to be hard to duplicate my achievements," said O'Meara, who added the World Matchplay title to his two majors and was also named American Golfer of the Year.

"Obviously I've set my sights on the U.S. Open and the U.S. PGA Championship titles. Only a few people have ever achieved all four major wins but even at 42 there's no reason why I couldn't do it.

"At the PGA last year, I was right up there with 13 or 14 holes to go and I played well so it could have happened for me again."

O'Meara has given himself two more years going flat out to achieve his aim before cutting back on his schedule.

At present he plans to stay an international golfer, and his presence in Dubai for his first visit to an Arab state bears that out.

His first day was not a happy one as far as playing was concerned. His clubs were mislaid en route from Pebble Beach and Wednesday was the first day he could practice.

He assessed the Creek rough as the thickest he had ever seen on a course.