Tiger confirms Dubai date

Tiger Woods will bring the crowds to Dubai

Tiger Woods will play in the Dubai Desert Classic for the first time next March.

The tournament organisers have been boosted by the addition of the world number one to the field as they attempt to raise the profile of the event.

Tournament director Bob Wilkinson revealed he had been tracking Woods for more than two years.

He said: "We were finally able to conclude matters at St. Andrews last week as he completed the Grand Slam.

"Tiger will add megastar status to an already world class event," he added.

I am very much looking forward to coming to Dubai

  Tiger Woods

Woods, who became the youngest golfer ever to have won all four of golf's majors, said he was looking forward to playing in the Arab Emirate next year, no doubt attracted by the $1.3m prize money on offer.

He said: "I am very much looking forward to coming to Dubai.

"I've never competed in a pro tournament there, but I've heard great things about the event. I always look forward to playing in new places."