Although more known for his prowess on the athletics track, US running legend Michael Johnson will wear spikes of a different kind when he competes in the Rolex Pro-Am at the 2008 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy.

The 41 year-old, who won five Olympic golds and was crowned world champion nine times, is just one of a host of stars from sport and entertainment who have accepted invitations to play in the pre-tournament Pro-Am on Wednesday (January 23).

Now retired, Johnson holds world records in the 200m, 400m and 4x400m relay and is the only male athlete in history to win both 200m and 400m at the same Olympics, accomplishing the feat in Atlanta in 199, and the only man to successfully defend his title in the 400m.

“We are honoured that Michael Johnson has agreed to visit Qatar for the first time,” said Andrew Stevens, Group CEO of Commercialbank, title sponsors of the tournament. ”The success of the 2006 Asian Games as well as the ongoing global awareness of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters has increased interest in this part of the world – and with Qatar bidding to stage the 2016 Olympics in Doha it is more than appropriate that we welcome an Olympic legend like Michael as well as the other celebrities with some typical Qatari hospitality.”

To be staged at Doha Golf Club from January 24-27, the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, will see the PGA European Tour make its second Middle East stop of the month after visiting Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

Among the players lining up alongside Michael Johnson in the Rolex Pro-Am will be fellow American Scott Verplank - who Johnson will team up with in CNN 1 - defending champion Retief Goosen, world number seven Adam Scott and Ryder Cup stars Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald, Paul Casey and Colin Montgomerie. Despite the big guns of golf being in attendance, track legend Johnson is unlikely to be fazed by his illustrious playing companions.

His sporting achievements dwarf most of today’s big sporting stars and the American is sure to be a popular figure both on and off the fairways. Offering $2.5 million in prize-money, the 2008 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, will be the richest golf event ever staged in the Gulf state with a cheque for $$416, 660 and the unique Mother of Pearl trophy going to the winner.