Christina Kim is the latest star to confirm that she will play in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the Emirates Golf Club from December 14 to 17.

The popular American forms part of a stellar field which includes her compatriot Michelle Wie, ‘golf in DUBAi’ ambassador Laura Davies, England’s Melissa Reid, Sophie Gustafson (Sweden) and France’s Gwladys Nocera among other top stars.

Kim, a winner of two LPGA titles and one on the Ladies European Tour, is delighted to be playing in Dubai for the third time in a row. “I love being in Dubai. I could see myself living there,” she said ahead of the euro 500,000 tournament, promoted and organized by golf in DUBAi.

“I want to visit Dubai every year,” said Kim, who finished tied fourth on six-under 284 last year, just five shots behind winner Iben Tinning of Denmark.

In eight starts on the LET this season, Kim missed just one cut (Ricoh Women’s British Open) and her best finish being tied second at Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. The three-time Solheim Cup player, Kim also featured in 20 LPGA events with a tied 13th at the Avnet LPGA Classic being her best result.

Known for her fashion flair and exuberance, the 27-year-old “Excitement Machine” believes in playing aggressively on the course. “Go big or go home,” is her philosophy — and it’s working well for the outspoken lass from San Jose, California.

As a member of both the US LPGA and Ladies European Tour, Kim has been making regular appearances in Europe and she said: “Although the LPGA is my first tour, this is like a second home for me and the competition is incredible here every week,” she said after winning the Sicilian Ladies Italian Open in October.

“On both of my tours I’ve got at least one win under my belt and I can’t wait to see how many more I may get in my career,” said the three-time US Solheim Cup player.

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, commented: “Christina is a charismatic character who brings special energy to the course. Everyone loves to watch her play golf — and she is a great golfer.

“Her presence will certainly provide a big boost not only to the tournament, but also to women’s golf in this part of the world. I wish her the very best.”

‘golf in DUBAi’ is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Gulf News Emirates NBD, Mercedes-Benz, Jumeirah and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.