The PGA European Tour rolled into town today (Jan 21) as the eyes of the golfing world switch to the 7,388-yard Doha Golf Club, venue for the 11th Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy.
On the driving range, world names such as former US Open winner Michael Campbell rubbed golfing shoulders with up-and-coming stars like Sweden’s Alex Noren as the final touches were being put to a tournament hosted by Commercialbank, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the Qatar Golf Association (QGA).
Several players also took the opportunity to get to grips with a course renowned for its swirling desert wind, while others will jet into the Qatari capital later tomorrow (Jan 22) following the first leg in Abu Dhabi of the famed ‘Desert Swing’, won by Germany’s Martin Kaymer.
That first Tour win of his career will no doubt have given a massive boost to the confidence of the young German but whether or not the 2007 Rookie of The Year can repeat the feat in Doha remains to be seen. Twelve months ago Paul Casey arrived in Doha fresh from winning in the UAE capital but failed to make the cut after struggling over one of the longest courses on the calendar.
English Ryder Cup Casey star will also be in the 120-man field this week when the tournament tees off on Thursday (Jan 24) and will be aiming to be at the sharp end of the leaderboard come Sunday night (Jan 27).
First up for the stars is Wednesday's Rolex Pro-Am, which will feature the likes of defending champion Retief Goosen, world number seven Adam Scott and Ryder Cup winners Henrik Stenson, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald and the current PGA European Tour Order of Merit leader Lee Westwood.
The Pro-Am sponsorship by Rolex is a major vote of support for the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy. The prestigious brand is involved as a sponsor with all four Majors as well as the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup matches.
“Rolex has been involved with the tournament for a number of years but they decided to raise their involvement following the success of the 2007 event,” said Andrews Stevens, Group CEO Commercialbank. “They are only involved in very prestigious events so naturally we are proud they have chosen to become title sponsors of the tournament’s Pro-Am.”
While the $2.5 million prize-money is the richest in the tournament’s history, unlike other Middle East tournaments which also boast their fair share of big name players, the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, has no entry fee allowing fans and star spotters to roam the course free of charge.
As well as world-class golf, fans can also relax in the world-class exhibition village, sponsored by De Boer, and enjoy a wide range of food and beverage outlets, while a children’s entertainment area will keep the younger members of the galleries amused throughout the four days’ play.
