BIG GUNS LINE UP FOR QATAR MASTERS
AT DOHA GOLF CLUB NEXT MONTH

Former champion Adam Scott, Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia and defending champion Retief Goosen are among the big guns already confirmed for the 2008 Commercialbank Qatar Masters to be staged at Doha Golf Club from January 24-27.
Despite two other high profile tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the 2008 Commercialbank Qatar Masters comfortably straddles the Middle East’s famous ‘Desert Swing,’ thanks to the incredible progress made by a golf event now considered one of the finest on the PGA European Tour.
The 11th staging of the tournament – won in 2007 by South Africa’s Goosen – again features the sponsorship backing of title sponsors Commercialbank who have taken the event to new levels in terms of professionalism and star quality, while underscoring the Masters as one of the region’s premier sporting occasions.
“There was definitely a little bit of excitement at the end last time I was in Doha,” said Goosen, who snatched victory from Aussie Nick O’Hern with an eagle on the last hole.
“Obviously you feel for the guy when you make the putt but that’s happened to all of us. I just happened to make the right shot at the right time to win the tournament. Because of that result I have wonderful memories of my first visit to Qatar where the course was superb, the line-up as good as any tournament and the people extremely welcoming. I certainly had no hesitation in agreeing to come back.”
Goosen’s first visit to the 7,374-yard course saw him become the third South African to lift one of the most prestigious titles on the PGA European Tour’s overseas calendar.
Qatar 2“With the support of the Qatar Golf Association and the Qatar Olympic Committee, the 2007 tournament was our biggest and best yet,” said Commercialbank Group CEO Andrew Stevens. “However, we have a commitment to this event for the next six years and fully intend to establish it as the number one tournament in the region.”
"For 2008 we are improving the facilities even further to give the tournament a stunning backdrop on the closing hole, while the prize-money will be the richest yet. It is the first major sporting event in Qatar in 2008 and as such we aim to make it a fitting occasion with some of the biggest golfing names in the world.”
Like the visionary bid to host the summer games in 2016 as well as the successful staging of the 2006 Asian Games, Qatar is committed to establishing itself as a world-class sporting venue thanks to the vision of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and The Heir apparent HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
Over the past decade, tennis, golf, football and motorsport events such as the Commercialbank-sponsored Motorcycle Grand Prix of Qatar have found welcoming homes in the Gulf state, while the blueprints and ambitious plans for the future will ensure that the international media spotlight remains on the burgeoning country.
“The international reputation and image of Qatar is, of course, very important to us all,” added Stevens. “By bidding for major international sporting properties and staging tournament with world-class stars such as the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Qatar is showing it is as ambitious as anyone in the region.”