Cheyenne ‘Tigress’ Woods will prowl the EGC course

Joy Chakravarty 08:43 19/11/2014
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  • Dubai debut: Cheyenne Woods has never played in the UAE before.

    Cheyenne Woods, the niece of 14-time major champion Tiger Woods, will make her debut appearance in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters this year.

    – Matteo Manassero hunts Abu Dhabi glory

    Woods, winner of the this year’s Australian Ladies Masters in February, will be part of the quality field that will vie for the Ladies European Tour’s season-ending championship, which is scheduled to take place at the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club from December 10 to 13.

    The 24-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona, was excited about her upcoming visit to Dubai and playing on a golf course where her uncle has won the Omega Dubai Desert Classic twice. “I have never been to Dubai, but I have heard a lot of great things about the tournament," said Cheyenne, who enjoyed a very successful amateur career, winning over 30 tournaments before turning professional in 2012. 

    "This is demonstrated by the strong field there each year.

    “I feel like my game is solid and it will be fun to play in the event which has an impressive list of winners. I’ve always wanted to go and play in this magnificent city.”

    After her first win on the Ladies European Tour, Woods said: “I’ve been a pro for two years and, for the majority of it, people just think of me as Tiger Woods’ niece, so now I have a game of my own and I have a title now, a win, which is exciting.

    “It’s nice now to say to people that I can play and I’m not just a name.”

    Cheyenne will join defending champion Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand, English legend Laura Davies and rising star Charley Hull among other notable golfers in the 108-player field. Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “We are delighted to have such a vibrant young talent as Cheyenne playing in Dubai.

    "Her energy will light up the tournament and add to our huge galleries.

    "She is an inspiration for so many young girls and, like everyone else, we will be keenly following her progress.”

    Also joining Woods will be Maha Haddioui, who is the leading female Arab golfer.

    The first Arab woman to earn full playing status on the Ladies European Tour, the 26-year-old from Agadir, Morocco, will join the top-class field as she continues to put Arab women’s golf on the sporting map.

    Her results on the Tour may have been mixed so far, but she feels that she is now comfortable with life as a travelling golf professional.

    “I’m trying to just focus on every shot and every tournament individually and whatever happens, happens,” said Haddioui whose best finish this season is tied 22nd at the French Ladies Open, highlighted by an opening round of 66.

    “I’m looking forward to playing in Dubai.

    "It’s one of the biggest tournaments of the year. The weather and playing conditions are just amazing.

    "The goal is to try and enjoy every single tournament and do my best,” added Haddioui.

    Before turning professional early in 2011, she was a four-time All American scholar and NCGA First-team All American, graduating with a Masters in Accounting and International Business last year.

    “The time (four years) spent at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, has really helped hone my skills and talents,” said Haddioui, who started playing late at the age of 13 but quickly became proficient at the sport.

    “My dream has always been to play on a tour.

    "I’m really happy I turned pro and everybody has been very helpful as well.”

    The Dubai Ladies Masters is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as sponsor.

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