Two-time Major Champion Martin Kaymer is the latest star to confirm his participation at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters from March 5-8.
The former World Number One joins defending champion Justin Harding in the field as they prepare to tee it up at Education City Golf Club, with the event shifting across the Qatari capital from Doha Golf Club for the first time in the tournament’s 23-year history.
The four-time Ryder Cup star, who counts the 2010 US PGA Championship and 2014 U.S. Open amongst his 11 European Tour titles, is excited to venture to the new course, having last played the event in 2014, and will be hoping another strong performance can bolster his position in the 2020 Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the golf course at Education City,” said the 35-year-old. “I’ve heard good things and I am always looking at ways to challenge myself and to ultimately improve my game.
“I’ve had a decent start to the 2020 season with some good results in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Saudi. I wanted to keep the momentum generated in the Middle East going within my game, so it was an easy choice to come back and play in Qatar. It is a popular event amongst the players, and it is always nice for us to visit Doha, plus with the new course it adds an extra challenge.”
Designed by two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazábal, the venue at Education City comprises of 33 holes split into three courses; 18 holes, nine holes and six holes. The venue also includes a state-of-the-art learning and practice facility housed in the Centre of Excellence and is at the heart of Qatar’s vision to grow the game in the Middle Eastern country.
Michael Braidwood, General Manager at Education City Golf Club said: “We are delighted to welcome two-time Major Champion Martin Kaymer back to the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Not only is Martin a fantastic golfer but he is also an incredible role model for junior golfers, and we are excited to showcase him and some of the best players in the world at Education City Golf Club for the first time.
“Golf continues to grow in Qatar and we are excited to help shape the golfing landscape through our principles at Education City.”
Since it was first included on the European Tour International Schedule in 1998, former winners of the event have included Major champions Ernie Els (2005), Sergio Garcia (2014), Retief Goosen (2007), Paul Lawrie (1999, 2012), Adam Scott (2002, 2008) and Henrik Stenson (2006) and Europe’s victorious 2018 Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn (2011).
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