Take a thrilling peek at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, teeing off at the iconic Doha Golf Club from 22 to 25 February.
The change in the tournament schedule has reshaped the event significantly. Once the highlight of the Middle East Swing, attracting top-tier talent, the Qatar Masters this year faces a thinner field with Julian Suri being the highest-ranked player at 70. This shift leaves the event quieter than in previous years.
Though last week’s inaugural Oman Open was a success for Keith Pelley and the organisers, it has inadvertently lessened the draw of the Qatar Masters, now in its 21st year. Many elite European Tour players are already gearing up for the Masters at Augusta National.
Commercial Bank Qatar Masters | 22 February – 25 February | Doha Golf Club, Qatar
Designed by Peter Harradine, the Doha Golf Club shares much with the Abu Dhabi course, sporting a classic links style. Opened in 1996 and located just a mile from Qatar’s eastern coastline, it sits roughly six miles north of central Doha. When the wind picks up, this exposed course, famously featuring grainier greens like those often found on the Sunshine Tour, can test even the best golfers.
Reigning champion Jeunghan Wang returns to defend his title. Andy Sullivan and Chris Wood look to make the most of a diluted field, while Thorbjorn Olesen is the market favourite. Major winners Paul Lawrie and Darren Clarke also feature, but all agree the organisers need to revamp the schedule to restore this magnificent course’s status – it truly deserves more.
Past Winners
2017: Jeunghan Wang (-16)*playoff
2016: Branden Grace (-14)
2015: Branden Grace (-19)
2014: Sergio Garcia (-16)*playoff
2013: Chris Wood (-18)
To Win Outright:
Thorbjorn Olesen 14/1 | Andy Sullivan 18/1 | Jeunghan Wang 20/1 | George Coetzee 22/1 | Chris Wood 22/1
Value Picks to Watch:
Thomas Detry – To Win 28/1, To Place 6/1
Belgian Thomas Detry is showing great promise in desert conditions, with strong finishes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Having recently trained with compatriots Nicolas Colsaerts and Thomas Pieters, Detry seems poised for a breakout performance at Doha.
Pablo Larrazabal – To Win 50/1, To Place 11/1
Spanish golfers often excel on similar courses, with Sergio Garcia’s 2014 win a testament. Larrazabal, boasting four European Tour wins, including Abu Dhabi in 2014, is aiming to get back to the top after a recent top-3 finish at the Maybank Championship.
Paul Lawrie – To Win 200/1, To Place 43/1
Though 49, Lawrie’s experience, especially on links style courses, shines through. The 1999 Open Champion won here in 2012 and recently claimed a Sunshine Tour event. With a weakened field, he could be a dark horse if the winds pick up.
The Man to Beat – Julian Suri – To Win 25/1, To Place 11/2
American rising star Julian Suri had wins on both the Challenge and European Tours last year. He thrives in windy conditions, evident with his dominant win in Denmark. A win here would catapult him into the top 50, granting entry into prestigious WGC tournaments.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets
