To be playing in the same tournament as Tiger is special for me

While the pairing of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods is the major draw in the Dubai Desert Classic, Shane Lowry is just happy to be there.

The immediate past and present World No. 1s will play the opening two rounds together in this week’s 25th anniversary of the Classic.

After victory in last month’s Australian Open, and then sharing second place with Phil Mickelson in Abu Dhabi a fortnight ago, 24-year-old McIlroy is quietly confident of repeating his 2009 Dubai success.

“It’s always good to get a win early on in the season, and it would be nice to be up there and at least challenging for the trophy on Sunday,” he said.

Shane Lowry, meanwhile, has struggled over the opening two rounds of his two events this year.

“I feel like I am playing alright and it’s just that I am getting in my own way the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“I think I need to let myself go out and play golf and not wait for it.”

Since turning pro Lowry has yet to compete side-by-side with Woods but then neither had Damien McGrane until accompanying Woods in the final round of the 2008 Dubai Desert Classic, eventually won by the American.

“It’s a great field this week and anytime you play in a tournament that Tiger’s playing in is always exciting,” said Lowry. “Tiger still has a remarkable awe about him. You only have to be on the range as everyone seems to stop what they’re doing when he arrives and also when he leaves.

“As a kid, I grew up watching Tiger on TV and he more than anyone else was the golfer I wanted to watch more than anyone.

“So to be playing in the same tournament as him is pretty special for me. Hopefully, I can get to compete alongside him this week.

“Also, if you finish ahead of him and Rory this week you will be doing very well. If I can be in and around Tiger on the leaderboard after the first three days then I will be doing something really well.”