DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 7 (UPI) -- Former Masters and British Open champion Mark O'Meara won the Dubai Desert Classic Sunday with a 17-under-par 271, his first tour win in six years.
O'Meara, who had slipped to 201st in the world rankings, shot a 69 in the final round and won the European tour event by a stroke over Paul McGinley of Ireland.
Ernie Els of South Africa and David Howell of England tied for third, four shots back, and world No. 1 Tiger Woods, who shot a 68, finished five behind in a tie for fifth.
"This is a big day for me," said O'Meara, who hadn't won an official event since the 1998 British Open, the same year he won the Masters.
"It's been a long time and it gives me a huge boost in confidence. At 47 maybe it tells me I can still do it. Chalk one up for the old boys."
O'Meara said a new putting grip he calls "The saw" made the difference.
"Trust me, it works. You might want to try it," he said.
