DUBAI // Having fielded the now-predictable queries regarding retirement, Laura Davies is determined this week to prove her staying power.
The four-time major championship winner comes into the tournament on the back of an 82nd career title, although it was achieved in her first appearance on the Legends Tour, a circuit for US LPGA Tour members over age 45.
However, she already has demonstrated this season she can still provide a challenge to younger rivals, twice finishing runner-up on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
Davies, 49, will feel Dubai owes her something, too, after three top fours in six attempts and last season's disappointing missed cut, which as a "Golf in Dubai" ambassador she labels "embarrassing".
"I'm not backing off at all, I'm trying to win a tournament," she said. "And also, what else could I do? I left school at 16. I'm no good to anyone."
Davies has not recorded a victory on the LET in two years and, despite retaining hopes of securing the British Open – "may seem a pipe dream" - is typically candid in her assessment of 2012.
"I worked out if I win this week I'll finish third" in the Order of Merit, she said.
"It would be an OK year, but not winning a regular tour event this year and last year is very disappointing. It's not good enough.
"A win here would make it OK, but that's not what I want. I want to be competing every week to win tournaments, not just hanging on to make the cut or finish 18th or 20th."
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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