Golf: Westwood targets maiden Omega Dubai Desert Classic title

Lee Westwood is determined to end a run of near-misses and win a long-awaited maiden Omega Dubai Desert Classic title later this month.

Westwood's best chance to win the Middle East Swing finale was three years ago, when he narrowly missed a birdie putt on the final green and finished a shot adrift of Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello.

The former world No 1 has finished second on three occasions and in the top 10 eight times at the Emirates Golf Club, but he believes he has the opportunity this year to finally lift the prestigious trophy.

“Hopefully, I will be able to get the job done this time,” Westwood said. ”All I can do is keep getting into contention.

“I know my game is good enough to win when I play well enough. That's what I try to do. After that it's out of your hands. The plan is the same - just to go out there and enjoy it.” 

The Worksop veteran heads into 2015 on the back of a strong finish to last year, when he collected his 41st career title at the Maybank Malaysian Open. 

I have always enjoyed playing in this tournament. It’s a big event that attracts some of the world’s leading players each year

The 41-year-old will be among the favourites in Dubai, although he faces a tough test against a high-quality field featuring the likes of world No 2 Henrik Stenson and his Ryder Cup team-mate Stephen Gallacher, who is bidding for an unprecedented hat-trick of wins in the event.

“You have to be at your best if you aim to succeed against a deeply talented field,” added Westwood, currently ranked 27th in the world.

“I have always enjoyed playing in this tournament. It’s a big event that attracts some of the world’s leading players each year.

“If you look at the tournament’s roll of honour, it includes so many great names and that’s a tribute to the growing profile of the event.”

Watch the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday 29 January from 6am live on Sky Sports 4 HD - your home of golf