DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (PA) -- Damien McGrane admits he will miss the challenge of facing Tiger Woods at this week's Dubai Desert Classic.

The hard-working Irishman played the final two rounds with the world No. 1 last year, and claims to have learned a great deal from the experience.

Last year at Emirates Golf Club, he reached the halfway point second behind Woods by just one stroke, and went on to outscore him in the third round despite 318 places separating the duo in the world rankings.

The pair again played together over the final round. But while Woods went onto claim a second Dubai Desert Classic crown, McGrane ended up down in 44th at level par after a final-round 79.

Woods will not be in Dubai to defend his crown as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. But McGrane, now 130th in the world and with a European Tour title to his name, is looking to end the Middle East Swing on a high after recording a fourth-place finish at the Qatar Masters last week.

As has been the case through the entire three-event swing through the Persian Gulf, the Dubai Desert Classic features an all-star field. Americans Mark O'Meara and Erik Compton and prospective European Ryder Cup captains Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal will be joined by such players as Paul Casey, Lee Westwood, Robert Karlsson, Darren Clarke, Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Henrik Stenson, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, David Howell, Nick Dougherty, Rory McIlroy and Oliver Wilson.

McGrane's result at Doha Golf Club last week was his best since finish since he recorded his maiden victory at last year's Volvo China Open.

"I am hitting enough good shots and I am holing my share of putts, although I miss a few as well, but you can't get them all," said the 37-year-old. "The main thing is my frame of mind is good which helps.

"The experience of last year will definitely help me this year, but it is a pity the man himself is not going to be back."

McGrane's performance last week continued his solid form from South Africa before Christmas, which has left him sitting 18th in the Race to Dubai.

He was disappointed by a failure to convert more birdie chances in his bogey-free 67 on Sunday, but was buoyed by an eagle midway through his round as he ultimately finished six shots behind winner Alvaro Quiros.

"I have played a lot of good golf, so hopefully there are plenty of good things to come of it this year," he added. "I have good memories of last year, I remember it fondly and it was a positive experience for me and I used it in a positive way and used it to my advantage afterwards.

"Obviously it was nice and I was glad I had that time with him," he added. "It's a great memory to have and the sooner he gets back here the better."

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