According to the man at the helm of the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), the staging of the 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy will give a much needed boost to the country’s young national golfers.

 

The $2.5 million tournament – which will see the first Gulf appearances of US stars Boo Weekley and Brandt Snedeker – is staged by the QGA in association with the Qatar Olympic Committee and title sponsor Commercialbank. And QGA President Hassan Al Nuami firmly believes showcasing the world’s best players can only help the development of Qatar’s fledgling golfers.

 

“The Qatar National Golf Team consists of young players and being exposed to the world’s best professional golfers at Doha Golf Club can only benefit their golfing education,” he said. “The special pre-tournament clinics also allow them to get hands-on advice from Major winners, Ryder Cup stars and international golfers of the highest quality.

 

“Add in the fact that many of these youngsters compete in teams with the stars during the Commercialbank Qatar Masters Rolex Pro-Am – held at Doha Golf Club in championship conditions – and you can see how these opportunities can improve the technical side of our national golfers.”

 

To be staged at Doha Golf Club from January 22-25, 2009, the twelfth staging of the event will see Snedeker and Weekley in among 120 professionals competing for one of the most prestigious titles on the PGA European Tour.

 

Al Nuami (right) was also quick to praise the efforts of everyone concerned in raising the profile of Qatar as a key overseas venue on the European Tour calendar.

 

“Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to Their Highnesses the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifah Al Thani and The Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifah Al Thani for their endless support of Qatari sport in general and, in particular, to golf.

 

“Our event has only grown and developed over the past few years thanks to the support, cooperation and efforts exerted by all parties. As for the forthcoming 2009 tournament, everyone has pulled together to meet the highest standards of organisation, infrastructure and promotion. 

 

“Preparations include a comprehensive and well-equipped media centre that will serve local, regional and international media organisations and help boost local and global interest. The local Qatari media also plays a significant role in spreading the news and reputation of this tournament locally and internationally, and in a way contributes to attracting various media organisations.”