Since its inception in 1988 – played every year at the ruggedly handsome Doha Golf Club – the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has been a breeding ground for the game’s stars.
No fewer than three players won the Qatar Masters before going on to win various Major Championships while fully-established Major champions have also prevailed over the windswept course.
Paul Lawrie famously won the second edition of the tournament in 1999 and later that year went on to win the Claret Jug at The Open at Carnoustie. Australian Adam Scott twice won in Qatar (2002, 2008) before he clinched his maiden Major title at the Masters in 2013 and Henrik Stenson wowed the galleries at Doha in 2006 before finally becoming a Major champion at Royal Troon a decade later.
Meanwhile multiple Major winners Ernie Els (2005) and Retief Goosen (2007) also have a Mother of Pearl trophy in their cabinet, showcasing the tournament’s ability to attract the best.
In keeping with its pedigree as a tournament for the best players in the game, 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell headlines the field this year.
First unveiled in 1997, the layout at Doha was the design of celebrated golf architect Peter Harradine, who has work on over 160 courses around the world, and features eight stunning lakes, 65 giant cacti and a number of striking limestone rock formations that contrast with the bright fairways and sandy desert beyond the ropes.
Check out the golf course in the video below. Some of the best players in the world will be in action there from January 26-29.
