Justin Rose makes debut in

next week's Qatar Masters

PRESS RELEASE
Doha (QATAR): England’s Justin Rose will make his long-awaited Doha debut when he joins a powerful field for next week's Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy.
The world No 19 is just one of a catalogue of big name players to sign up for a US$ 2.5 million tournament that has made rapid strides over the past three years to become a major player on the European Tour international calendar.
Rose, pictured right, joins a field that includes world No 2 Sergio Garcia, two-time and defending champion Adam Scott, former winners Henrik Stenson, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, European No. 1 Robert Karlsson and the newly-crowned Abu Dhabi champion Paul Casey.
Add in American stars Boo Weekley and Brandt Snedeker – both of whom will make their Middle East debuts in Doha – and it’s easy to see why Qatar Golf Association President Hassan Al Nuami is expecting a closely fought fight over the 7,388yd course carved out of the desert.
“We have been excited by the quality of players looking to play in Doha over recent years and the news that Justin Rose will now play in Qatar for the first time confirms the international reputation of the event,” said a delighted Al Nuami.
“He has been playing quite heavily in the US so we are naturally delighted that he will make his first appearance of 2009 here at Doha Golf Club.”
Organised by the QGA in association with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Commercialbank, the twelfth Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy will see 28 year-old Rose return to action for the first time since competing in the South African Open last month.
The winner of the European Tour Order of Merit in 2007, Rose made a superb Ryder Cup debut last year playing alongside friend Ian Poulter in foursome and fourballs and defeating Phil Mickelson 3 and 2 in the singles, a month after finishing tied ninth US PGA Championship.
He first burst to prominence at The Open in 1998 when, as a seventeen year-old amateur, he finished tied for fourth. Since then he has gone on to win four times on the European Tour as well as collect wins on the Sunshine and Japan Tours.
Big names like Rose are just part of the golfing jigsaw at Doha Golf Club this week. Purpose built hospitality chalets, extra spectator grandstands and an exhibition village will all combine to make this week’s event the biggest in its twelve-year history.
“We’ve been planning for this week ever since the last putt fell twelve months ago,” said Commercialbank Group CEO Andrew Stevens. “It’s been a long journey but once again we are nearly there and ready to welcome the cream of the European Tour to Doha. Whether they are regular visitors or first timers like Justin Rose every member of the international golfing community is guaranteed a warm welcome in Qatar.”

For further information log on to: http://www.qatar-masters.com/