The Peninsula
Braving windy conditions, European Tour stars yesterday tackled bunkers and green-side water hazards at the Education City Golf Club as they flexed muscles for this week’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
The top golfers, who tested the picturesque course having unique views of the Doha Skyline and the 2022 Education City World Cup Stadium yesterday, were left impressed and gave immediate thumbs up to the new venue.
The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters – in its 23rd edition – is taking place for the first time at the Education City Golf Club, marking a European Tour debut for the world class course. The Qatar Golf Association has moved the event away from iconic Doha Golf Club to introduce the state-of-the-art venue to the world.
Designed by two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal, the venue at Education City comprises of 33 holes split into three courses; 18 holes, nine holes and six holes.
It also includes a 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. From tomorrow, as many as 144 professional golfers including two-time Major Champion Martin Kaymer and Paul Lawrie will vie at the course for the prestigious title - marking a new era in history of the sport in Qatar.
Michael Braidwood, General Manager of the Education City Golf Club said the course provides a perfect platform for thrilling action.
“The golf course is spectacular. It is in amazing condition. The players were there for the first time and the feedback was very very positive,” Braidwood said at a press conference held at the venue yesterday.
While there was a lot of wind yesterday, the forecast remains good for the playing days, with Braidwood saying the golfers will get a fair test during the tournament.
“We will see how the players will cope with the challenge. The wind is a major factor, very windy today but the forecast is good for the playing days. So we expect low scoring. Nowadays the golfers hit very far. It is great for us to see when they get on exceptional putting surfaces that we have here. Expect to see low scores, lots of birdies and lot of excitement and we are looking forward to seeing what the winning scores would be. It will be a tough, fair and a very good challenge,” Braidwood said.
“Golf continues to grow in Qatar and we are excited to help shape the golfing landscape through our principles at Education City,” Braidwood added.
South Africa’s Justin Harding - the defending champion – was one of the golfers who practised yesterday and he was happy with his first experience.
“It’s a good golf course, I’ve played nine holes and I think the wind’s going to blow,” said Harding. “It’s going to make it challenging for scoring.”