Darren Clarke has confirmed he will join a strong field, led by world number one Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and defending champion Henrik Stenson, for the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club from January 31 to February 3.

The Ulsterman showed signs of returning to winning ways when he finished runner-up to Open Champion Padraig Harrington in the Hassan II Golf Trophy in October last year and he also notched two top five finishes in on The European Tour in South Africa either side of Christmas, firstly in the South African Airways Open and then in the Joburg Open.

"I am more at peace with myself now and I am more comfortable with myself. I just want to play some good golf," he said. "I am trying to be a lot more consistent this year and am going to continue working on all things I have been working on. My policy is to work hard and just keep it going.”