David Law swaps snow for sun to make Rolex Series return in Dubai

The 34-year-old became the seventh Scot in the field for this week’s $9 million Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club after being fifth reserve when the entry list was released.

It’s a huge opportunity for Law after winning back his DP World Tour card through finishing second on the HotelPlanner Tour’s Road to Mallorca Rankings last season.

“It was one of those that I never thought I’d get in, to be honest,” he told The Scotsman in the UAE. “I was second reserve on Monday and I knew that Richard Mansell was struggling a bit with his ankle, so I thought there was a chance I’d move to first reserve.

“Some weeks guys who are first reserve for ten days and don’t get in, but, this week for some reason it’s been a bit different, so it is a huge bonus to get in and I obviously want to make the most of this opportunity as it’s a great one to start the year.”

Law joins Grant Forrest, Connor Syme, Calum Hill, Ewen Ferguson, Richie Ramsay and Scott Jamieson in flying the Saltire in the event’s 37th edition.

“It’s a tough course to start the year and I’ve not really played any golf at home due to the snow we had,” he added. “I came out here on Thursday last week and got three good days under my belt at Al Ain, which was good.

“It’s nice to know since Monday that I was in the event, so I can prepare knowing I am in it rather than thinking there is a chance or maybe not a chance.”

‘These are the huge events you watch’

Helped by a wonder shot that is commemorated by a plaque on the 18th fairway on the Majlis Course, Colin Montgomerie landed a tartan triumph here in 1996 before Stephen Gallacher created history as the first player to claim the iconic Dallah Trophy back-to-back.

“Absolutely, 100 per cent,” said Law of this event being one that he dreamt of playing in as an up-and-coming professional. “This one was probably up there in the top three with Wentworth, Scottish Open and DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah. These are the huge events you watch.

“In my first year on tour, we played in Abu Dhabi, which was a Rolex Series event, and this wasn’t a Rolex Series one at the time. I was gutted not to get in this one.

“I actually mentioned to Alan [McCloskey, his coach] last year that I wanted to be back in Dubai playing at the start of next year as it’s such a great event that you don’t want to miss it.”

Record four-time winner McIlroy is being joined in this edition by FedEx Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood, former world No 1 Dustin Johnson and defending champion Tyrrell Hatton.

“There’s obviously an amazing atmosphere around this event and it’s only Wednesday,” said Law. “There’s a good buzz about it and that’s very different to what we had on the HotelPlanner Tour. And those are the things you miss when you are away.

“Probably after a few years this becomes normal. But, when you’ve had a year off then come back, you definitely start to appreciate what the atmosphere of what a big event really is.”

Law landed a breakthrough win in the ISPS Handa Vic Open in his rookie season on the DP World Tour in 2019 and landed two title triumphs last year on the HotelPlanner Tour to regain his seat at the top table.

‘I want to put myself under pressure’

“In terms of an outcome goal, I’d love to win again,” he admitted. “I’m not concerning myself too much with goals, though. The obvious ones are you want to win, you want to play in Abu Dhabi and Dubai at the end of the season.

“But, for me, if I keep applying myself every week and keep trying to get better all the time, then I’ll be happy. I don’t try to focus on the results and outcomes all the time.

“I just want to try and get better in every department I can and put myself under pressure. I think that’s what worked last season. I wanted to be under pressure and being involved in the right side of golf tournaments. I just want more of that this season.”