19.08.2008
Golf
Every January, the attention of the European and Asian PGA tour turns to Qatar as many of the world's leading players converge on Doha for The Qatar Masters. Now in its 10th year, the tournament has gone from strength to strength.
The inaugural tournament in 1998 was won by Scotland's Andrew Coltart. It has since been won by a number of golf's top ranked players including US and British Open winner Ernie Els (in 2005), British Open winner Paul Lawrie (in 1999), Ryder Cup players Henrik Stenson (in 2006), Joakim Haeggman (in 2004) and current world number six, Adam Scott (in 2002).
In 2007, The Qatar Masters again attracted a number of world class entries, adding to the already distinguished list of past competitors, including US Major winner Vijay Singh and Ryder Cup player Chris Dimarco.
With eight of the top 20 players competing, including US Open winner Michael Campbell, as well as 2006 Ryder Cup winners Lee Westwood, Paul Casey and Paul McGinley, The Qatar Masters was set up to be an exciting championship. It also saw Spain's Sergio Garcia and South Africa Retief Goosen make their debuts in the country.
It was to be a memorable debut for two times US Open winner Retief Goosen, who clinched the tournament with a stunning birdie-eagle finish on the final two holes.
The Qatar Masters is played at Doha Golf Club. Set against a desert backdrop, the oasis of green and desert layout of the Championship course makes it a magical course to play - and it is one of the longest on the European tour.
The Doha Golf Club also plays host to a two-day amateur golf tournament. The Qatar International Open is held in early January and attracts competitors from around the world who want to test their skills on the Championship course.
For the less seasoned professional, Doha has a nine-hole Academy course, overlooking Doha's spectacular West Bay Lagoon. The course is floodlit so golfers can enjoy a round of golf late into the evening.
Doha Golf Club also boasts a state of the art teaching and practice facility. The Golf Academy brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience from a multi-national team of dedicated PGA teaching professionals with the latest in hi-tech computer and video equipment to help all golfers improve their game.
