Written by: Khushi Gupta

The Dubai Desert Classic, founded in 1989 was at first the only European Tour to be played in the Arabian Peninsula but now the tournaments played there have reached up to six. Now in 2022, it is being held here for the 34th time since 1989 when Mark James first held the title and now it is once again held on the Majilis Course at the Emirates Golf Course in Dubai from the 26th of January to the 30th of January 2022. The purse of the tournament is set at $8 million with the winner’s share coming at a percentage of 16.6 which will make it go up to $1,333,330 according to the European Tour’s prize money distribution chart. Apart from the money, the winner will have many other benefits which include the 46 official World Golf Ranking points that the winner will be receiving based on the field strength and also a two-plus season exemption on the European Tour.

Dubai Desert Classic

Round 1 of the Dubai Desert Classic was headed by Joachim B. Hansen of England with a score of par seven-under 65 for first place with birdies on holes 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 13. He was followed by Justin Harding of South Africa who took the second position right under Hansen with a score of par six-under 66 with birdies on holes 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 13, 17, and 18 keeping up the spirit of the game throughout the course of events as they gave in their best to the difficulties that the course provided them with.

"A bit of a shame there weren't any more tournaments at the end of last year but I try to keep it going," said Hansen. "I'm a bit more relaxed, have a bit more belief in myself. But I still have to play pretty good golf to play here in 2023. So I'm just trying to do my best. I kept the ball in play. I didn't drive it that well but putted fantastic."

Shubhankar Sharma on the other hand who had come extremely close to winning the last week’s tournament in Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship hopes to do just as well or even better while he tries to keep up his best performance here too in this tournament. With the sport having a cutthroat competition and the players being one of the best from all over the world, it is not easy to be playing at the top all the time. Yet, with the confidence and belief in his own game, Shubhankar Sharma in Round 1 hit 4 whooping birdies in holes 10, 13, 17, and 18 which made him stand at a tie for the 56th position of round 1 of the Dubai Desert Classic that was held on the 26th of January.

"I am feeling good and confident. I have taken a lot of positives from the week (in Abu Dhabi). Naturally, one is disappointed at having come so close and not closing it, but I am proud of the showing. I played well and had some really long putts on the final day," said Shubhankar Sharma.

Shubhankar Sharma Playing Golf

The tournament continued to hold round 2, which was played on the 28th of January, of the sport at the Emirates Golf Course with the same level of competition and excitement for the players as well as the watchers. Justin Harding of South Africa played commendably in Round 2. His birdies on holes 3, 10, 13, and 18 along with a mind boggling eagle on hole 6 got him placed in the first position in the second round with a total of 133. He was followed by Tyrrell Hatton of England with a total of 135 placing second. Shubhankar Sharma again continued to play his best with keeping at par above the projected cut on a tie for the 55th position and gradually rising to T-41 on the third hole. For a while going below the projected cut, he came up again and by the end of the day managed a tie for the 49^th place with a total being 144 staying at par as he hit birdies on holes 3 and 18.