‘We are very proud to be here... It is indeed difficult for the players and everybody to ensure that they stay within the bubble’
After a wait of more than a month, the European Tour’s Race to Dubai continues this week at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters as the event returns to the Education City Golf Club (ECGC) for a second time following its successful debut in 2020, where Jorge Campillo defeated David Drysdale in a dramatic play-off.
Apart from Campillo, former champions Spaniard Alvaro Quiros (2009), Englishmen Eddie Pepperell (2018) and Chris Wood (2013), South African Justin Harding (2019) and 139 other golfers are all set for the 24th edition of the tournament.
Qatar Open Amateur Championship winner Ali al-Shahrani, Saleh al-Kaabi, who finished a joint second, and Juhaim al-Kuwari will represent Qatar in the tournament. Al-Shahrani became only the second Qatari to win the amateur tournament in its 35-year-old history.
The $1.5mn event is being held from March 11-14 for the famous Mother of Pearl Trophy at the ECGC, where the conditions are expected to be challenging.
The last European Tour event – Saudi International – was held from February 3-7.
The highly-anticipated event is being organised by Qatar Golf Association (QGA), the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Education City Golf Club and long-term title sponsor, Commercial Bank under strict health protocols as prescribed by the Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health due the Covid-19 pandemic. All the players, caddies, officials along with the media production team of the European Tour will be operating from the ‘bio bubble’ before and during the event.
“It’s really different from the normal times and we are really thankful to Qatar Golf Association for what they have done to be able to play here this year. Thanks also to Commercial Bank and Education City Golf Club. We are very proud to be here and be a part of the Qatar Masters,” the European Tour tournament director Mikael Ericsson said at a pre-event press conference yesterday.
“It is indeed difficult for the players and everybody has to take a couple of steps and ensure that they stay within the ‘bubble’. But with the support of everybody in this country, it has been easy in a way and we thank everybody,” he said.
“It might look easy from the outside but we are actually 144 players and 144 caddies, staff, television people etc. So it is like 500 people so the bubble gets quite big so there has be to be restrictions in place.”
Ericsson also said it is difficult for players to operate in a bubble.
“It is difficult for the players as we are operating in a bubble. Everybody has to do a couple of Covid tests,” he said.
He also lauded the par-71 course, which is designed by two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazabal.
“Let’s not forget we have a great golf course out there that has been in immaculate condition. We are looking forward to the golfers to play in the event to be broadcast to over 500mn households this week. Hopefully it’ll go smooth and everybody will be happy,” Ericsson said.
Commercial Bank’s EGM, Chief Marketing Officer, Hussein al-Abdulla offered their unflinching support to the tournament.
“We have been the title sponsors of the tournament for many years. We have been hosting this for many years now. The direction of the leadership of the QGA has been tremendous. We try our best to support and complement the QGA in its pursuit to educate and promote golf to our locals and specially our Qatari golfers. The other side is the Qatar Masters has become a major event as last year we had over 400mn people watched over TV from around the world. Top-notch players are coming in Qatar to play in this prestigious event. We look forward to support this amazing tournament as it also serves Qatar 2030 vision,” al-Abdulla said.
QGA President Hassan al-Naimi and General Secretary Fahad al-Naimi, who were present in the press conference said 2000 spectators are allowed for tournament.
ECGC General Manager Michael Braidwood acknowledged Qatar Masters’ role in attracting more people to golf.
“I’m really glad with the development and growth of the sport here in Qatar. Last year we had a number of acquisitions during the event for schoolchildren, initiatives to draw youngsters to the golf course. We’ve seen families coming to the golf course at the club, a lot of kids are coming. When we opened ECGC we were keen to draw more people to golf and had the right partner and now with support of Commercial Bank that has happened,” Braidwood said.
