Alkass Digital
A strong field of 132 golfers on the DP World Tour is gearing up for tough competition in the 26th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters with plenty at stake at the “immaculate” Doha Golf Club (DGC).
The popular edition of the Tour, which tees off tomorrow sees an increase in prize money to $3.75m this year from its previous sum of $2m with the majestic ‘Mother of Pearl’ trophy on offer for the Sunday’s winner.
But there will be more to earn for the competitors as Qatar Masters is the final counting event in the regular season for Race to Dubai Rankings and the last chance for players to secure their spots in the next season of the Tour with 116 berths available.
The competition also offers a chance to qualify for next month's Nedbank Golf Challenge featuring 66 players besides the lucrative DP World Tour Championship where top 50 players in the rankings will take part.
“It’s very important event for players. There are a lot of players on the bubble to keep their playing rights for next year. They are fighting for that. And we also have a lot of players here, but it’s competing for the finals,” Senior Tournament Director DP World Tour Mikael Eriksson told a pre-event press conference at DGC yesterday.
Despite high temperature, the conditions are expected to be favourable for golfers who are expected to get good cards.
“The field is strong so we expect a tough fight particularly among top 100 players. There will be less wind and I think the scoring will be good because the greens are excellent, in very good condition. The course is in immaculate condition. And obviously, at this time of the year, now when the Bermuda rough is up, the course will play tougher. The golfers have really enjoyed coming here over so many years, and the golf course is improving every year,” he added.
Since the inaugural edition in 1998, the Qatar Masters has been attracting world’s best golfers with the likes of Rory Mcllroy, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose having competed in Doha in the past.
“The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has once again attracted a field of top golfers. We are looking forward to exciting action this weekend as we welcome the players and fans. I would like to thank our main sponsor Commercial Bank of Qatar for their continued support. I also want to thank the participating golfers and wish them luck,” said Qatar Golf Association President Hassan Al Naimi.
Sponsorships and Events Manager at Commercial Bank of Qatar Ashjan Al Khalaf expressed her delight on the launch of the 26th edition of the prestigious tournament.
“Commercial Bank has created a legacy that empowers possibilities and Qatar Masters bears witness to that. As we step into our 26th year as Title Sponsor of this event, I can’t help but feel proud of all the milestones we have achieved. Our mission will always center on building a promising future for Qatar,” said Al Khalaf.
“On behalf of myself, the Commercial Bank family, Chairman and members of the Board of Directors, Executive Management, and employees to extend our gratitude to all our partners for instilling their confidence in us and in Commercial Bank Qatar Masters tournament. I would also like to thank Doha Golf Club for hosting the championship event on the grounds of its prestigious facility,” she added.
Head of Middle East DP World Tour Tom Phillips termed Qatar Masters as an important event of the Tour.
“We are in 26th year of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which is a great achievement. It’s an important tournament for us,” he said.
Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson, who braved windy conditions to win last year’s Qatar Masters – his maiden DP World Tour title – will defend his crown.
Players who will fail to get inside the top 116 following the Qatar Masters will most likely face a return to the Qualifying School or a season on the European Challenge Tour.
Today, golfers will be seen in action in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Pro-Am 2023.