World number 25 Louis Oosthuizen will lead the 13-strong charge as the Omega Dubai Desert Classic tees off on Thursday at the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club.

Oosthuizen is making his first European Tour start of 2018 after appearing in Singapore last week where he struggled after opening with a superb 66. He tumbled down the leaderboard before finishing over par and will be looking to add his name to the heavyweight field this week which includes last week’s winner Tommy Fleetwood, two-time event winner Rory McIlroy and defending champion Sergio Garcia – who won by five shots in Singapore.

Branden Grace is making his third appearance in as many weeks and will be looking to build on his recent trend of starting well. Grace was in the pound seat all week at Glendower before being unable to haul in Chris Paisley in the final round and got himself into contention last week but faltered in the final round where he carded a 73 to finish T15.

Oosthuizen and Grace after afternoon starters with Oosthuizen joined by Andy Sullivan and Martin Kaymer at 12:30 with Grace forming part of the group 10 minutes earlier which includes English duo Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick.

The marquee group this week features three players likely to be the base of Thomas Bjorn’s Ryder Cup side in Garcia, McIlroy and Stenson. The trio are likely to attract a large following at 08:00.

Bjorn is also in the field and forms part of a ‘legends’ group alongside three-time winner in Dubai, Ernie Els, and Colin Montgomerie at 07:40.

South African tee times: