Scott Jamieson is eager to end the European Tour's Middle East swing with a flourish and halt his recent downturn in form at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The 29-year-old from Glasgow was first, third and second in his opening three events of the season in South Africa but has suffered disappointment in the desert over the past fortnight and has missed successive cuts in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
Even so, he still leads the Race to Dubai rankings and is confident he can recapture the form that thrust him to the top of the early money list over the Emirates course this week. "Of the three courses on the Middle East Swing, I like this Dubai course the best and it just seems to fit my eye better off the tee," said Jamieson, who shared fifth in last season's Desert Classic. "There also seems to be a lot more realistic chances for eagles and birdies."
After winning his first European title, the Nelson Mandela Championship in December, Jamieson shared third place in the Alfred Dunhill Championship and was second in the Volvo Champions, experiences of being involved at the sharp end which have given him food for thought.
"It always takes a lot out of you, both physically and mentally, when you have a big week and, while you always want to be in contention, I understand now why some players will take the week off after they win," he said. "I find myself constantly learning how to handle myself out here on tour."
Jamieson is 69th in the world rankings and a strong finish in Dubai could take him into the top 64 and earn him a place, alongside fellow Scots Paul Lawrie and Richie Ramsay, in next month's WGC-Accenture Matchplay Championship. Lawrie is not competing here but Ramsay has recovered from a virus that forced him to withdraw from Qatar last week and joins an 11-strong Scottish contingent.
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