World Golf News - 15 February 2012

The European Tour continued its co-sanctioned leg in the Middle East last week with the Dubai Desert Classic, which was won in a surprise victory by the Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello.

As the final round unfolded in sunny Dubai weather, Cabrera-Bello found himself one stroke behind overnight leader Lee Westwood, with Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher in pursuit of the title as well. Despite his impressive performance during the third round, the Spaniard was not tipped to win in Dubai – commentators widely predicted a showdown between Westwood and Gallacher on the final day.

To the surprise of fans and fellow players however, Cabrera-Bello teed off on Sunday with every intention of winning. After sinking three birdies on the back nine, the Spaniard defied his critics and found himself in contention despite his world ranking of 119. Though Westwood and Gallacher put up an impressive fight, with an eagle and birdie respectively on the 13th hole bringing them up to tie for the lead.

Sharing the lead for the next three holes, the three golfers treated fans to an impressive display of precision golf and calm nerves as each man did his utmost to avoid slipping into second place. It was at the 17th hole that Cabrera-Bello’s birdie putt sealed victory, with an easy par at the final hole allowing him to lift the trophy in Dubai.

In the United States, Phil Mickelson won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am putting a stop to Tiger Woods as the former world number one reminded fans that he is still a strong contender in professional tournaments.

Mickelson, whose grandfather worked as a caddie at Pebble Beach, returned to the course that is so close to his heart and triumphed in the Pro-Am with a two shot lead. As Mickelson celebrated his 40th victory on the PGA Tour, his playing partner Tiger Woods treated golf fans to a taste of his old form as he displayed several drives and iron shots reminiscent of his days as world number one.

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