Three-time Omega Dubai Desert Classic Champion Ernie Els will return to Emirates Golf Club to tee it up for the 30th edition of the tournament next month.

The South African will be joined by compatriot Louis Oosthuizen who won the South African Open last weekend.

A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Els cemented his place as one of the greatest players of his generation with over 70 professional wins including four majors.

The 49-year-old forged his reputation as a legend of the Middle East’s longest-running European Tour event in 1994, firing a course record of 61 in the first round, which still stands 25 years on.

Els is the only player to have won the Dubai Desert Classic three times and he has also been runner up twice.

In his first 11 appearances, Els did not finish lower than 11th including three wins, three runners-up and three third place finishes.

David Spencer, Tournament Director, stated: “We are really excited to welcome back such an iconic golf legend for his 17th appearance in our tournament. Ernie is always a crowd favourite and he obviously has a special history on the Majlis course. He may be turning 50 next year, but a fourth victory will be within his grasp.”

The 30th edition of the Dubai Desert Classic will be held at Emirates Golf Club from 24 – 27 January. Since 1989, the tournament has seen 24 different winners from 13 different nations.