Can you believe it has been 15 months since Tiger Woods last won a tournament? That’s okay, he’s back on the European circuit this weekend, a happy hunting ground for the former world number one. Statistics can be a lot of fun, especially for trivia buffs. Woods has played 99 tournaments on the European circuit for 38 wins, 11 second placings, 5 thirds and he has finished in the top 10 a further 23 times. No wonder online bookmakers have him firm in betting at 9/2 in Dubai Dessert Classic currently underway.

Of course, his current odds are helped in part by his almost brilliant second round of 66 – one of his best rounds in 15 months. It’s been an interesting first two days as Woods has been partnered with the two players who have unseated him at the top of the world rankings. Lee Westwood is currently world number one, although his current form would belie that. With them is current world number two Martyn Kamer – his form at least justifies that ranking.

The current tournament leader is the sometimes brilliant Rory McIlroy. He burst onto the scene two years ago, then had a somewhat quiet year last year. His first two days here have been anything but quiet, opening with a first round seven under 65. He is currently 10 under for the tournament alongside Thomas Aiken. In equal third are Sergio Garcia and Steve Webster at eight under followed by a group of five headed by Woods at 7 under.

With Woods starting to fire on golf course he likes, anything could happen over the last two days. McIlroy is currently the favourite with bookmakers at 2/1, odds I’m not to keen on given his temperament over the last 12 months – he has rarely put four good days to together. Sergio Garcia at 8/1 looks to be very good value – the rest are at 10/1 or better. Our tip – watch out for the brooding Tiger Woods, but on current form, Garcia looks a good bet at 8/1.