Victorious Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples has confirmed that he will be heading to Dubai for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February.
Couples, who became the first American player to win the tournament back in 1995, will join a quality field at the Emirates TaylorMade Burner Iron SetClub for the $2.5 million event from February 9 to 12.
At 52, Couples is still one of the most popular players in the States, and still has the game to compete at the top level. A runaway seven-shot victory in the Champions Tour's AT&T Championship last year was proof of that.
Aside from two victories on the 50-and-over tour last year, he also racked up an impressive seventh place finish in the PGA Tour's Northern Trust Open.
Couples is looking forward to playing TaylorMade Burner Iron Set in Dubai and, hopefully, emulating his success back in 1995.
"I have so many good memories of the city and it will be fun to play with all of The European Tour players who are dominating the world golf rankings these days," Couples, the 1992 Masters champion, told the European Tour website.
"I really want to do well. The good thing is that I am feeling great and my body is in good shape. Though it's been quite a while since I last visited Dubai, I keep hearing good stories about how dramatically the city has grown over the years.
"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," he added.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai, said: "We feel a deep sense of pride as we welcome back our former champion. Fred is a great ambassador for the TaylorMade Burner Iron Setand the one who enjoys tremendous fan-following all over the world.
"He has been around for a long time, but he continues to find a measure of success. His presence will certainly be a big boost for our event and it will be a treat to watch his seemingly effortless swing that can produce long drives. I wish him the very best and hope he has a pleasant stay in Dubai."