Fiercely competitive Suzann Pettersen has signed up for the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, raising the prospects of an intriguing showdown with defending champion Shanshan Feng at Emirates Golf Club from December 7-10.
The Norwegian veteran golfer will have an extra spring in her step as she will be seeking to set the record straight against Feng after finishing runner-up to the Chinese ace in Malaysia in October this year.
It’s a matter of conjecture how things unfold during the week, but Pettersen, a two-time major winner, will be a compelling storyline, certain to provide a gruelling challenge to the stellar field during her maiden appearance in the season-ending Ladies European Tour event.
“It will be fun playing in Dubai, a city I have heard many good things from fellow players and know the tournament attracts a very strong field each year,” said the 35-year-old Norwegian, who boasts 22 professionals wins, including 15 on the LPGA and seven on the Ladies European Tour.
“It will feel nice to have my name written on a famous trophy, but I don’t want to get ahead of time and will take things as they come. It would take something special to beat the challenge, but I will try my best and see what happens,” said Pettersen, also a four-time runner-up in major championships.
Popularly known by her nickname ‘Tutta’, Pettersen reached a career-high No.2 in the world rankings after her victory in the Evian Championship in 2013 and held that position several times, most recently from August 2011 until February 2012.
With eight top-10 finishes in 20 starts, Pettersen enjoyed a solid 2016 season on the LPGA, but insisted her game turned around during the Olympic Games where she finished solo 10th on seven-under.
“It’s taken a while for me to wake up. But I feel like I’m swinging the best I’ve done all year. My putting is getting better. I switched to an old-style putter, so I feel like I’m back to some good grooves on the putting.”
“The Olympics is kind of where my body showed up and was excited to play. So it’s always nice when you have the desire of wanting to play well and feeling good and feeling good about your game as well,” said the experienced golfer, who turned professional when she was just 19.
Commented Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organizers of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters: “We are delighted to welcome Suzann, an exceptionally talented golfer who is a true a global ambassador for women’s golf and a tireless worker for charity.
“Despite being on the tour for so many years, she remains a popular figure with fans all over the world and deservedly receives a huge reception when her name is announced on the first tee. We really look forward to seeing her play in Dubai. I wish her the very best and hopes she has a wonderful stay in Dubai.”
The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters is backed by OMEGA as the title sponsor and Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC as sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, JA Resorts & Hotels, Mercedes-Benz and wasl, while Dubai Duty Free, Neocasa Interiors and Motivate Publishing are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
