Danny Willett looking to reprise his historic chapter

The Yorkshireman memorably progressed from his 2016 victory at the Emirates Golf Club to become the first Englishman in 20 years to don the Green Jacket, at Augusta two months later.

Willett sealed the deal in the desert last time round with a final-round 69, finishing one shot clear of compatriot Andy Sullivan and Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Twelve months on, he is up against a strong field again, including Open champion Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia and 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods, twice successful here previously and back for his first European Tour event after 15 months away with back problems.

Willett, of course, will return with the fondest of memories.

“Last year this tournament was the start of really what was an amazing season,” he said.

“It was the first time, I think, within a tournament that I had been in and around the lead all week - instead of either coming from behind early on or having a biggish-lead with nine to play.”

It was a performance that gave him renewed belief when he got to the Masters.

Willett added: “You look at Augusta; I could draw on Dubai quite a lot, how I played and how I played under pressure and how I composed myself mentally and having to hole a few key putts at the right time.

“Every event we play on the European Tour, they are all fantastic golf events. But when Rory (McIlroy) is here or when Tiger is here, it makes it that little bit extra special.

“It’s great for the European Tour to have arguably the greatest player of all time come to Dubai and to try and take that championship trophy away on Sunday.

“There are a few of us that are going to try and stop him – but yeah, it’s great to have him back.”

Willett has been paired with Woods and fellow Sheffielder Matt Fitzpatrick in the first two rounds.