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Subject: Dubai Desert Classic
Posted by: nerveclinic
- [714549] Sun, Feb 04, 2007, 10:51
I usually post on the political board but I thought I would drop this here also.
I am an American currently living in Dubai.
Saturday I went to the Dubai Desert Classic.
I got a late start but I followed Tiger's back 9 holes.
What a difference to an American tournament. Maybe 5% of the size an American gallery would have been. I doubt there were even 10,000 people. Some players literally had no one watching since everyone was following Woods group or Els.
Woods put one of his shots close to the spectator ropes and it was easy to run over and get the closest spot on the rope about 10 feet away from him to watch his shot.
I inadvertently walked into the players walk area at the end of a hole and was politely asked to step out just as I watched Tiger walk by a few feet from me.
2 treats. The 17th hole is a short par 4, only 359 yards. The only problem is it dog legs to the right and there's a group of palm trees blocking the shot to the green.
I was waiting for Woods to hit and couldn't understand why the guy who controls the pace of play was keeping the red flag up. Yes there was a group on the green, but come on, no one is going to actually put it on there I thought, no way.
As soon as the green was clear he raised the green flag and Woods astonished everyone by putting the ball around the palm trees and onto the green in one on a par 4. He missed eagle by a foot or two.
The other players with him both were 30-40 yards short of the green.
Then the par 5 18th. This is a very skinny green with a viewing building directly behind it just a few feet from the green and a lake directly in front of it. There is no room for error.
The other two with Woods, Derksen and Jimenez both laid their second shots up in front of the lake. Woods pulled out a fairway wood and dropped the ball onto the green. Another thrill for the crowd.
Except for the palm trees and a lot of sand you would have thought you were at a European tournament. Mostly Brits and other Europeans attending. Any Middle Easterners blended in wearing western clothing. It seemed to be all Brits running the tournament.
It was a nice experience seeing such a great player but being able to get very close to the action very easily.
50 Bucks to get in.
Next year I will try not to party the night before and get there a little earlier...8-}
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| 1 | sarge33rd
ID: 76442923
Sun, Feb 04, 2007, 14:59
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many thx NC. Appreciate the spectator input. (and envy you that opportunity!)
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| 2 | Action Figure
ID: 20910
Tue, Feb 06, 2007, 17:28
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It must have been something to see TW play in that environment. Thanks for sharing.
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