DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – By at least one account, Tiger Woods’ impact on last week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic and his competitive misfortunes were very much mutually exclusive.
Peter Dawson, the former chief executive of the R&A and current chairman of the Dubai-based Falcon Golf, told GolfChannel.com that despite Woods’ withdrawal after just 18 holes, his aura still drew fans and sponsors to Emirates Golf Club.
“Obviously there is huge interest in his comeback from injury and so on, the fact he was in the field proved to be a massive draw in terms of ticket sales and hospitality sales,” Dawson said.