A betting preview for the 2023 edition of the Dubai Desert Classic which gets under way at Emirates Gold Club UAE on Thursday 26th January courtesy of @BetXchange
The DP World Tour action continues in the United Arab Emirates this weekend, as some of the top players in the world will be in action at the Dubai Desert Classic. This event is one of the early standout tournaments of the season, and the latest BetXchange markets for the competition are already live.
Event Details
The Dubai Desert Classic is staged at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, UAE. This event was established in 1989, and it has been played at its current home in every season aside from in 1999 and 2000. This event is a par 72, with players competing over a total of 7,428 yards. A huge purse of $9 million is available at this stroke play event.
Previous Winners
Viktor Hovland comes into the event this weekend as the defending champion, as the Norwegian claimed success following a dramatic playoff against Richard Bland 12 months ago. However, the best score at the competition was set by Bryson DeChambeau, as the American finished at -24 when winning the 2019 edition by seven shots from Mall Wallace.
A number of players have achieved multiple victories, including Rory McIlroy and Stephen Gallacher, who have both claimed two victories apiece. However, Ernie Els is the most successful player at the event, as the South African has won the Dubai Desert Classic on three occasions.
Leading Contenders
Due to the high purse available for the Dubai Desert Classic, there will be a number of prestigious players in action this weekend. Rory McIlroy heads the betting for the competition this weekend. The 33-year-old has previous experience at this event, having won on two previous occasions. Furthermore, his form so far this year has been encouraging, as he landed victory at The CJ Cup.
Shane Lowry is another player that should go extremely well this weekend. The 35-year-old would have been disappointed with his final round at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship last weekend, as he shot +4 to fall out of contention. However, Padraig Harrington is a player that certainly played his way into contention this weekend. Harrington finished fourth at the latest DP World Tour event, finishing just two shots off the lead.
Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood will be other stars to keep eyes on in the UAE, as both have the playing style that could put them very close to the lead this weekend. Victor Perez has been in excellent form already this year, and his victory last weekend on the DP World Tour puts him into a strong position to double up this weekend.
Dubai Desert Classic Prediction
This will be a very exciting weekend of golf action, with many of the top players in the world in action. However, we will be taking a chance on Norwegian star Rasmus Hojgaard. He will be playing on the DP World Tour for the first time this calendar year, but he has made the cut in each of his previous five appearances. Over that run, he has finished in the top ten twice, including his tie for seventh at the DP World Tour Championship late last year.
Pick: Rasmus Hojgaard with BetXchange.
Note, odds quoted are subject to change
