In 2004, Mark O’Meara, a two-time main champion, closed with a three-under 69 to seize the Dubai Desert Traditional by one stroke over Paul McGinley. After McGinley missed an eagle try on No. 18 from over 70 toes, O’Meara two-putted from 12 toes for the victory.
It was his first win since capturing the 1998 British Open at Royal Birkdale in England.
It will even be his final.
With the Hero Dubai Desert Traditional starting on Thursday on the Emirates Golf Membership and his 67th birthday across the nook, O’Meara lately mirrored on his memorable week on the membership twenty years in the past, and on a profession that resulted in 16 PGA Tour wins. In 2015, he was inducted into the World Golf Corridor of Fame.
The next dialog has been edited and condensed.
Are you able to imagine it’s been 20 years?
I do bear in mind distinctly that week in 2004, going over there with Tiger [Woods]. I believe I began going to Dubai in 1998 or 1999. At 47 years of age, to win a event of that magnitude was a blessing.
What got here collectively for you that week?
Every time I went abroad, I all the time wished to attempt to carry out at my greatest. Sure, I used to be most likely getting compensated for being there, however I simply didn’t need to go over at any occasion and never placed on a superb present.
What attracted you to enjoying in Dubai, through the years?
Dubai, I all the time thought, was a really fascinating metropolis, tradition. Once I received on the Emirates course, there was the Arduous Rock Cafe in a constructing to the proper of the course, and there was hardly something there. And now if you have a look at the 18th gap and guys are hitting in there, it appears like New York Metropolis. The event of Dubai during the last 30 years has been an unimaginable factor to see.
And the golf course?
It type of jogged my memory plenty of enjoying within the desert. I by no means received in Palm Springs, however I misplaced a playoff a few occasions. I lived within the desert. I appreciated desert golf.
Are you glad together with your profession?
I’m. At 66, on the point of flip 67, I’ve had a dream life. Do I believe I may have achieved higher? Perhaps. However I definitely additionally imagine I may have achieved loads worse. For me, I really feel like the 2 majors at 41 had been the cherry on the highest of a banana break up.
What was it like if you obtained the decision you had been within the corridor of fame?
[The PGA Tour Commissioner] Tim Finchem referred to as me. I thanked him and referred to as my spouse and I stated, “Hey, I obtained one thing to let you know, however I don’t need to let you know until I see you in particular person, and I’m coming house proper now. I’ll be house in 10 minutes.” I got here in and I advised her and I broke down. And I used to be emotional when the ceremony [at St. Andrews] went on.
Why did you win so many occasions at Pebble Seaside?
My first time, I believe I used to be possibly 19 or 20, and I went as much as play within the state beginner, I used to be blown away by the immense magnificence there. It was simply phenomenal. Then to win the beginner the subsequent 12 months. Virtually profitable [the PGA Tour event at Pebble Beach] in ’84 after which profitable in ’85, I believe any time you come again to a spot the place you’ve had fond reminiscences, it helps offer you an additional little increase.
Would you’ve gotten maintained your enthusiasm and drive for those who hadn’t turn into near Tiger?
This final April, on the [Masters] dinner, I reached over and grabbed his arm, “I simply need you to know one thing. You modified my life.” And he didn’t know what to say. He checked out me, type of grinned and smiled and stated, “We had plenty of nice occasions collectively, didn’t we?” I stated, “You could have my quantity. Simply know my cellphone is all the time on for you or your loved ones.” He made me a greater participant, and I felt like I had a huge impact in his life.