Tiger Woods’ firm has been appointed to design the new 18-hole championship course at the AKOYA Oxygen development in Dubai, UAE.

Plans for the ‘Trump World Golf Club, Dubai’ were unveiled in September, but DAMAC Properties, the developers behind the AKOYA Oxygen resort, and the club’s operators The Trump Organization have only just revealed that the former world number one will lead the course’s design.

Woods’ first designed course will open for play later this month at the Diamante resort in Mexico, and the awarding of the AKOYA Oxygen contract is another significant step for his design firm, which has encountered a number hiccups since its launch.

“I’ve been fortunate to play great golf courses all over the globe, from the original links courses in Scotland to the famous parkland courses in America and the distinctive layouts on the sandbelt of Australia,”said Woods. “I hope to bring elements of those great courses and others to the Trump World Golf Club Dubai with the end result being a course that golfers will want to play again and again.”

“I can’t wait to see this stunning project come to life,” added Woods. “Dubai is fast becoming one of the most influential golfing destinations in the world, both for the professional game and for amateurs looking to enjoy the great weather, great courses and amazing lifestyle. We plan to create a distinct and memorable golf course that players of all abilities find enjoyable. I am very much looking forward to adding to the great courses of Dubai.”

Site preparation is already underway, with the course scheduled to open for play before the end of 2017.

Donald Trump, chairman and president of The Trump Organization, commented: “Tiger will be a tremendous asset in developing the course at the Trump World Golf Club, Dubai – and together, with DAMAC Properties, we will be doing something very special.”