Bill Elliott / 01 February 2010 Free Bet View Market

"I like Rory. I like him as a lad and I like him as a golfer and there is little doubt that he may turn out to be the most significant European golfer of the next decade. Others expect even more. "You mean he'll be the most significant golfer in the world over the next 20 years," snorted an indignant senior member of his management team when we spoke recently."

Until recently they used to say that if you want to see what the future looks like then you should look at Dubai. Now, however, they say if you want to see what the future definitely looks like then look at Dubai - shiny, blingy, in your face and, of course, broke.

While this thought may be a tad cynical, there is a logical base to it, given that the desert state has seriously over-reached itself, built stuff no-one wants, or can afford, to buy so that its pal, rather more conservative Abu Dhabi, has had to ride to the rescue to the tune of a few billion dollars with more probably to come.

Not that a golfer would notice this particularly. The European Tour's increasingly significant 'Desert Swing' ends in Dubai this week at the Emirates Club when the boys come out to play for a $2.5million dollar purse in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

It's now 21 years since I first went to Dubai to watch this event. Back then I marvelled at a course that was sited like an oasis in the middle of the desert. Now you may marvel - if that's the correct word - at a course that is in the middle of a bunch of skyscrapers, some of which have actually been completed. Progress? Only if you're a big fan of 'Blade Runner'.

Whatever, the big point here is that this Dubai title is worth having on a CV. Defending champion is, of course, our own boy wonder, Rory McIlroy. Wee Mac has been off doing something else for the last week but returns to action for this one and, naturally, is one of the favourites.

I like Rory. I like him as a lad and I like him as a golfer and there is little doubt that he may turn out to be the most significant European golfer of the next decade. Others expect even more. "You mean he'll be the most significant golfer in the world over the next 20 years," snorted an indignant senior member of his management team when we spoke recently.

Well, maybe. First, though, Rory has to do two things...(a) he has to improve his putting (not much, but better than it is) and (b) he has to start winning stuff. Of course, if he takes care of (a) then (b) will take care of itself. What I also know is that he wants to be the best, the very best. It is what his life has been focused on ever since he alarmed his parents by chipping balls into the family washing machine off the hallway carpet. He was eight at the time.

Of course, a lot of young players WANT to be the best, the difference with Rory is that he appears willing to actually put in the graft that makes such a target achievable. And if he needs any reminding that time stands still for none of us he only has to look over his shoulder at the entry list for Dubai and note the name Matteo Manassero, the youngest ever Amateur Champion.

Still just sweet 16, Matteo is charming, Italian and so talented that even a hardened observer like Peter McIlroy, Walker Cup captain and once an outstanding amateur champ himself, comes over all starstruck. "He is, without doubt, very special indeed," says Pete.

The kid is still an amateur and won't turn pro until after he has pleased his mum and dad and completed his studies in two years time but long-range punters should watch carefully how he performs this week. I doubt it will be anything less than impressive.

He is in Dubai via a sponsor's invite, as are Tom Watson and Mark O'Meara. Manassero played with Watson during the first two rounds of last year's Open and the American immediately became a paid-up member of the Italian's growing fan club. "Just terrific," said Tom after the kid finished in a tie for 13th at Turnberry.

Then there is Chris Wood, the scraggly-haired young Bristolian who has finished top five in the last two Opens and whose dragged-through-a-hedge look should not disguise the fact that he is one hell of a golfer as well as sharing the title of tallest on tour alongside 6ft 5ins Robert Karlsson.

Karlsson has just won in Qatar of course and is now 40-years-old and so quite ancient by today's yoof-obsessed standards but his confirmation that he is somewhere back towards his very best after eye problems last year is good news for those of us who like our golfers to be at least a little eccentric.

Modesty, almost but not quite, prevents me pointing out that I drew his imminent revival as a player to your attention a fortnight ago. Compelling evidence that even a blind squirrel finds a nut some days I suppose.