After a five year absence Graeme McDowell now intends making Dubai the start to his 2016 season after sharing ninth place with a final round 70 for a 14-under par tally.

It was McDowell’s highest finish in either the Dubai Desert Classic or his six straight appearances in the season-ending DP World Championship at nearby Jumeriah Estates.

“Given this is my first week out I am very pleased to play the way I did especially the first two rounds, and it’s just that the weekend was disappointing in not getting anything done,” he said.

“Despite a double at 16 there is a lot of positives to take now to Malaysia, especially after six weeks off.

After a best ever finish in either Dubai event, Graeme McDowell is set to also start his 2016 season at the Dubai Desert Classic. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“So I am pretty sure that this is where I will be starting my year again, next year.”

McDowell was heading to Malaysia later Sunday night and Thursday’s starting Maybank Malaysian Open at the Kuala Lumpur Golf Club.

And joining McDowell in Malaysia is Dubliner Peter Lawrie who picked a second pay cheque in succession posting a 70 for a three under par tally, and worth Euro 6,800.

“I can look back on my two tournaments in the Middle East with some satisfaction while I was really pleased with my 66 a week ago in Abu Dhabi, so it’s good to be now going to a familiar tournament stop like the Malaysian Open, and a golf course I know reasonably well, with some renewed confidence,” he said.

“And really I’ve done well before around the K L Country Club course so I’m very much looking forward to my week.

“I’ve sought an invitation for the following week’s Thailand Masters so hopefully that will come through this week but then there’s always a top-five finish that would qualify me for the tournament.”