Veer Ahlawat Aims to Shine at the $8 Million Dubai Desert Classic
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Dubai, Jan 13 (NationPress) A year after gaining recognition by finishing second in the Indian Open, Veer Ahlawat is now gearing up for the $8 million Dubai Desert Classic. Ahlawat, who will celebrate his 29th birthday in two months, may not have triumphed in India last year, but his runner-up position played a significant role in winning the Order of Merit of India, which earned him a DP World Tour Card.
Ahlawat is among the two Indian players competing in this year's Dubai Desert Classic, alongside Shubhankar Sharma, who is participating in his eighth iteration of this prestigious event, often referred to as the Major of the Middle East.
“That second-place finish in India was crucial in securing the Order of Merit and subsequently, I earned my place in the elite Dubai Desert Classic thanks to the sponsors. Being part of this event, featuring some of the biggest names in golf such as Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, is indeed a tremendous boost for me,” Ahlawat expressed ahead of the event, set to take place at the Emirates Golf Club this week.
“The Dubai Desert Classic has always held a special charm for me. Although I have never played in the UAE even as an amateur, this event has a storied history, and many of my predecessors have participated in it. I have always aspired to compete here, and now my opportunity has arrived,” the six-foot-tall Ahlawat remarked.
“This feels almost like home. I've met many people who are well-acquainted with Indian golf, which has been wonderful, especially considering I have only been here a couple of days,” he added.
Ahlawat is the third Indian to gain from the partnership between the Indian PGTI Tour and the DP World Tour, with the Order of Merit champion receiving a card for the DP World Tour. Previous beneficiaries of this pathway include Manu Gandas (2023) and Om Prakash Chouhan (2024).
His impressive season included two titles and seven top-10 finishes, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the $2.25 million Indian Open, which is the largest DP World Tour event in India.
Last year, Shubhankar Sharma achieved his best finish in Dubai, tying for 16th place with rounds of 72-71-70-70 for a total of 5-under, while Rory McIlroy secured victory for the fourth time at this Dubai event. With wins in both 2023 and 2024, McIlroy is now aiming for an extraordinary third consecutive title.
