Intro:

Graeme McDowell spoke on Wednesday ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic, which takes place between Thursday and Sunday.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Graeme McDowell, world number 19:

"Yeah, obviously great to be back here in this part of the world. You know, Omega and everyone involved here at this tournament, this was the premier tournament in the Middle East and it's great to be back supporting it again, you know, always great crowds, always a big tournament feel here, so many great champions and the sun shines and the golf course is in great shape, so it's just a great place to come and start the year."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Graeme McDowell, world number 19:

"Yeah, we'll work our way into the week, you know, I'm feeling decent about my game. Like I said, this golf course is pretty good for me and first week out expectation levels have to be measured, but, you know, I tend to play a schedule where every week's important to me, so I'm turning up here this week, of course I'd love to compete, and that's the goal really."