BASINGSTOKE golfer Stuart Archibald is looking forward to playing in the biggest event of his career.

The 30-year-old will tee it up alongside the likes of former Open champion Darren Clarke at the Dubai Open after being invited to compete at the Asian Tour event.

“It’s going to be a good test and I am looking forward to it,” Archibald said. “It’s probably the biggest event I have ever played in and the Els Club is probably the best course in Dubai now, so it will be good to play there.”

The Worting golfer was handed an invite as a reward for some good performances on the MENA Tour this year and will get his assault on the title under way today, with precious world ranking points on offer.

“Getting some world ranking points would be huge for me, because it makes you eligible for more events next year and could open a few extra doors,” he added. “I just have to go out and do what I normally do. I have been playing well all season and hopefully that will continue.

“It’s a four-round tournament, which should suit me because I’m more of a solid plodder than a guy who will go out one day and shoot the lights out. Having an extra round should be a benefit because it gives me extra time to build my score.”

Archibald’s season came to a disappointing end as an eye infection badly hampered his chances in the closing events on the EuroPro and MENA tours and also at European Tour qualifying school.

He said: “It was frustrating, but I have put it behind me and am focused on enjoying Dubai and then focusing on next year.

“I have spent a couple of weeks in Dubai, playing a lot of golf to build up my confidence before the tournament. Hopefully, that will have the desired effect.”