European Tour pro in Dubai car crash but still in contention for title
Dean Burmester involved in crash but is still right in contention heading into the weekend in Dubai...
Dean Burmester was involved in a car crash ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic this week, but it has made little difference to his golf game as he has moved into contention for the title heading into the weekend.
Burmester, 30, was caught up in a crash with his family while riding in an Uber on Wednesday but escaped with only minor injuries. His wife sustained whiplash.
Playing with a strapped ankle, the big-hitting South African carded rounds of 69 and 68 on Thursday and Friday to move to 7-under par and just one stroke off the halfway lead held by England's Eddie Pepperell.
"It was pretty hectic," Burmester told Sky Sports Golf.
"We went to the aquarium and took an Uber on our way back to the hotel.
"There was traffic on the other side of a blind rise and our Uber driver was just too slow, so we whacked into a back of a Porsche.
"There were four card involved but we were lucky to get away with a couple of bumps and bruises and just thank god we're okay."
VERY LUCKY says @BurmyGolf (Dean Burmester) @SrixonGolf ...
Injures right leg (Strapped & undergoing @EuropeanTour treament) & wife Melissa shaken-up (no harm 4-year old Jordan) following 4-car smash Wednesday night
Comes out to shoot @OmegaDDC scores 69 & 68 @EmiratesGC ☺️ pic.twitter.com/KuhzIMkalN
— Golf & Science⛳️ (@TOURMISS) January 24, 2020
Burmester explained his mental attitude has been key to his performance so far in Dubai.
"I think the major difference has been my mental attitude towards it [golf]," he said.
"After the car accident you realise what's important in life. I think I was taking golf a little bit too seriously, so I just kind of relaxed and looked at the family and we're just enjoying our time."
Burmester is bidding to win his second European Tour title having won the 2017 Tshwane Open in his homeland of South Africa.
