Ferguson targets PGA Tour after injury woes

After suffering a series of injuries, Ferguson spent the past four months working closely with gym coach Kenny McKenzie and is feeling stronger than he has for some time.

"That's totally gone, which has been great," he said. "I've had no real pain anywhere.

"I've been working hard in the gym, put on quite a bit of weight in the correct way and I'm hitting it a good bit further, which has been quite nice.

"I noticed that even last week playing with Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood. I feel like I can keep up with them a lot of the time, which is a bit nicer."

The improved physical condition has allowed Ferguson to prepare more effectively, with the Scot also travelling with a physiotherapist for 15 weeks of the year.

He believes that consistency - and a calmer approach to the game - have been important factors in his progress.

"I feel like when I'm out there and I hit bad ones, I kind of know why and I don't panic," he explained.

"I'm probably a bit more flatlined now, which is probably a good thing for a golfer."

Ferguson also retains Ryder Cup hopes but recognises he needs some bigger results to improve his world ranking.

"I feel like I can compete," he said. "Whether I'm at that level of playing those tournaments week in, week out right now, I'm probably not there but I feel like I can be.

"I'd love to be on the PGA Tour at some point and get myself out there with Bob [MacIntyre] and Sandy [Scott]."

A big performance in Dubai could also boost his chances of securing a PGA Tour card, although Ferguson acknowledges he will probably need a second place or a victory to make that happen.

"It's definitely not beyond me but very difficult to do with the calibre of the field," he explained.

"I know the course really well and I've done well here in the past. I know I can contend if I'm playing well."

Ferguson also believes his experience of living in the Middle East has helped his development as a golfer.

Having initially found the longer, more demanding courses in the region daunting, he has learned the importance of course management and playing to the conditions.

Calum Hill and Grant Forrest are the other two Scots in the field this week and Ferguson is delighted Marc Warren will be back competing on the DP World Tour after earning his place via the second-tier Challenge Tour.

"I'm looking forward to having Marc back out," Ferguson added.

"We all know he's an incredible golfer. He's got one of the best swings on tour and when he gets hot, he's something else. It's pretty cool."