The Dubai Desert Classic has had a few different sponsors over the years. Omega, Slync.io and Hero have all assumed responsibility in the last five years but they may as well rename it the Rory McIlroy Dubai Desert Classic such has been the hold the Northern Irishman has had over the event.
It wasn't always smooth sailing for McIlroy at Emirates Golf Club though. A missed cut as an amateur in 2006 was followed by a 52nd place finish in 2007 and a missed cut in 2008.
Those poor performances can be excused given McIlroy was a fresh faced amateur in 2007 and 2008. McIlroy was on record as early as 2008 stating that he "loved" the course. McIlroy would go on to elaborate that, "I think it's just the layout. It fits my eye. I like the definition and the way the fairways, you can sort of see your shots a little better and it's a little more mature than some of the courses over here."
Those quotes should have provided plenty of pointers for the savviest of punters at the time. The following year proved to be a turning point as McIlroy went on to win his first of three titles at odds of 200/1. Odds like that were understandably short lived and he was a general 3/1 shot before the start of last year's event.
That 2009 win marked the start of a 15 year run which has seen him tee it up ten times and finish inside the top ten on each occasion. Whether they are looking to back him or oppose him with others, he's in every golf tipster's thoughts as they consider their 2024 Dubai Classic tips.
McIlroy credits his Dubai Desert Classic success to the comfort he has in the region, describing Dubai as a "second home" when interviewed in 2010. He has spent a considerable amount of time in the Middle East, with one of his earliest sponsors being Dubai based Jumeirah.
His dominance has been even more impressive given the fact the event regularly attracts some of the best players in the world and is routinely one of the strongest events on the DP World Tour. Now a Rolex event, it has attracted a number of American players over the years.
Foreign raiders aside, it wouldn't be a surprise to see McIlroy lift the trophy again in 2024 and he's sure to go off as the short priced favourite. A couple more wins and they may as well ditch the sponsor and rename the event as the Rory McIlroy Dubai Desert Classic.
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