The Peninsula
Last year Eddie Pepperell could not defend his Commercial Bank Qatar Masters title at the Doha Golf Club as he gave the European Tour event a miss.
Two seasons on, Pepperell is back in Qatar, overcoming his worst fears of ‘getting stuck abroad due to coronavirus’, which forced him to withdraw from last week’s Oman Open.
“My underlying fear of coronavirus and being quarantined somewhere for two weeks, that was the reason I didn’t travel last week. The outbreak in Italy concerned me, and whilst it’s now even more widespread, I would have a long break if I don’t play this week so thought it was a risk worth taking,” he said in response to a question.
“Off to Qatar today. Straight up, I WD from Oman last week over coronavirus fears (getting stuck somewhere abroad...), but yet a week on, with even greater risk, I’m off! (Struggling to justify that kind of decision making) Anyway, will be nice to be back in Doha,” Pepperell had tweeted, explaining his pull out from the Oman Open.
For the 29-year-old, the 2018 season was his best as he picked up his maiden European Tour title in Qatar and added a second one while playing at home in the Sky Sports British Masters.
Pepperell will be hoping for a good showing in Qatar as he is hoping to qualify for the WGC Matchplay.
“I’m here to give myself a shot at qualifying for the WGC Matchplay which will be my only route into The Masters. It’s a risk I felt worth taking. I will need a good week this week to enable me to do that.”
Last year, the two-time European Tour winner did not defend his title but is keen for a good showing at the Education City Golf Course.
“Landed in Doha. Haven’t been back here since I won and not only do I want another bicep tear, I also want another Mini-Me,” he tweeted on arrival in Qatar.
Pepperell said the wind will pose for a big challenge for him and the other golfers.
“The wind looks as if it will be the main challenge, which it often is here in Qatar,” he said.
“It’s (The Education City Golf Course) not dissimilar to Doha Golf Club albeit there is a bit more definition,” he added.
“My goal in Dubai was to make the cut, have missed the previous two. I played much better there and I feel as if my swing is in a good place which it wasn’t for the first two events of the season,” he said on his performance on the European Tour.
Pepperell has no long terms plans in mind.
I don’t really focus on long term goals and concentrate as much as I can on improving my skill set and consistency. I know if I do that, I should, in theory, improve my chances of playing well. If I play well, I will get back into the top 50,” said in response to a question.