Living in Dubai, I’m very excited for this week, I think everyone would want to play in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. It’s one of the most iconic events in the world and Emirates Golf Club has a lot of history over the past 35 years with this event. Especially with the calibre of players that have played in the event and claimed the Dallah trophy, it’s amazing. So I’m super excited to get going on Thursday.

In the lead up, my preparation has been good. I’ve been working a lot with my coach Joe Marshall from the Claude Harmon III Performance Academy at The Els Club Dubai.

We’ve just been going through what we need to do and tightening up my short game because the Majlis can be pretty tough in and around the greens, but it’s been good so far.

I must say, the Majlis is in incredible condition. It’s probably the best I have ever seen it. The greens, I have never seen them this quick before and the tournament hasn’t even started! It’s fantastic to be able to play it in such great condition, the fairways and approaches are all in amazing spec, so it really is special to be able to get ready with this tournament set-up.

If i was to look into the challenges this week, the fairways are of course a bit tight, but the real problem is how thick the rough is. It’s been over-seeded, as expected, so the rough must be four to five inches deep in places, therefore I have to manage my misses. Considering I hit the ball a bit further than most people, if I do hit it in the rough I then have a lot less club in than most people, so that’s a big advantage but still I have to manage it.

When it comes to Thursday at 08:30 when I tee-off on the first, my plan is to just play my game like I know I can do. I’ve played well around here before and it’s a place that I love playing. Plus, I’m in a home event which is what everyone wants to do. I just want to go out there and have fun, play my game, and see what happens.

I’ve got some close support this week which is great. My coach Joe (above) is here with me, my family have flown over as well, so it’s not too big of a team, just the right size. It’s special to have my family out here to be able to enjoy this experience with me.

It really is an honour to represent the UAE in this huge Rolex Series event and showcase that golf in the UAE is getting bigger and better, and it’s only going to keep getting better. To be representing the UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation makes me feel so cool. I’m excited and honoured to be able to do that.

I’m so thankful to the guys at the Emirates Golf Federation and Falcon and Associates Golf Group, they’re amazing in giving me this opportunity to play in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week and going forward in DP World Tour events, it’s pretty special.