Michael Dodge/Getty Images
Cheyenne Woods prior to the ISPS Handa Vic Open at 13th Beach Golf Club on February 06, 2019 in Geelong, Australia.

By Kent Gray
Cheyenne Woods will chase her second Ladies European Tour (LET) title at the new-look Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic early next month.

The 28-year-old niece of new Masters champion Tiger Woods has been confirmed for the 54-hole, Pro-Am event which will be played, partially at least, under the new LED floodlights on the Faldo course at Emirates Golf Club from May 1-3.

It will be Woods’ third tilt at the Dallah trophy after she finished tied 20th at the then Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in 2014 and shared 10th place in 2016 with rounds of 68-73-72.

The world No. 285, who placed 15th at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open at Saadiyat Beach in January, is one of the Moonlight Classic’s highest-profile signings. She joins current LET money leader Marianne Skarpnord (Norway), 2017 Solheim Cuppers Emily Kristine Pedersen (Denmark) and Florentyna Parker (England), former money list winners Beth Allen (USA) and Becky Brewerton (Wales) and LET life-member Trish Johnson. The 53-year-old from Bristol is an 18-time winner on tour.

World No. 133 Caroline Hedwall, who has won eight LET titles heading into this week’s €450,000 Lalla Meryem Cup in Rabat, Morocco, is the highest rated player in the official Rolex Women’s Golf Rankings headed for the $285,000 Moonlight Classic in Dubai.

Woods has won two professionals titles, the most notable coming at the 2014 Australian Ladies Masters on Queensland’s Golf Coast. She played four LET events last season with her 8th placing at the Vic Open one of her four top 10s from 38 starts on the world’s second largest ladies circuit. She has recorded two top 10s on the LPGA Tour.

“We are delighted to welcome Cheyenne back to Dubai for the new Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic,” said out-going Tournament Director David Spencer. “She is an extremely talented golfer and is always a crowd favourite. To have Cheyenne playing alongside the strong field of confirmed amateurs and professionals will make this year’s tournament extra special and we wish her the best of luck.”

There will also be much interest in the performance of 24-year-old former world amateur No.1 Leona Maguire and the Irishwoman’s twin Lisa who was born 15 minutes earlier than Leona. Other names include Englishwoman Meghan MacLaren and Sophie Lamb, Scot Carly Booth and Spaniard Emma Cabrera Bello, the sister of Dubai-domiciled European Ryder Cupper Rafa Cabrera Bello.

American Angel Yin, who won the last Omega Dubai Ladies Classic on the Majlis course at Emirates G.C. in December 2017, will not return to defend her title.