Henrik Stenson feels he is well positioned for success in this week’s Dubai Desert Classic given his familiarity with the Emirates Golf Club.

Stenson lived in Dubai for ten years earlier in his career and won the Desert Classic in 2007.

He has five top-ten finishes in the event, finished 13th a year ago and also has a pair of wins in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on his CV.

He says the Emirates course is one that he knows “inside out” and, after finishing tied third in Abu Dhabi a fortnight ago, the Swede is raring to go once more.

“I feel like I know this course inside out, and had the success in
2007 and another couple of high finishes. So, it’s a really an enjoyable week for me in Dubai,” Stenson said.

The world number six says it is always a plus to have positive memories coming back to a course and he admits he never tires of playing the Emirates.

“It feels nice to get back to a golf course where you have played a number of times,” said the 2013 Race to Dubai winner. “I like the course because it has very good variation. You don’t get tired of playing on the course. You can play over and over again and still it’s fun to play.”

Stenson is in the marquee grouping for the opening two rounds in Dubai, where he will be joined by former Open champions Rory McIlroy and Louis Oosthuizen.

World number three McIlroy claimed his maiden victory as a professional in the Desert Classic in 2009 and also triumphed 12 months ago.

Stenson is 11.00 to win in Dubai this week. McIlroy is 3.25 while South Africa’s Oosthuizen is 26.00.