Darren Clarke and Gary Player have confirmed they are to play in this year's Qatar Masters which will take place at Doha Golf Club, Qatar, from March 14-17.
For Clarke, it will mean a return for the first time since he competed in the inaugural tournament in 1998 where he finished tied for ninth place, seven shots adrift of the eventual champion, Scotland's Andrew Coltart.
"I am very much looking forward to returning to Qatar and competing in the 2002 Qatar Masters," said Clarke. "I last played there four years ago and will be intrigued to see how the course has developed since then.
"I thoroughly enjoy competing across the world and, having won in both Japan and South Africa last year as well as in Europe, I hope I can add to my collection of titles with victory at Doha Golf Club."
For nine time Major Champion, Player, the trip will be his first to compete in Qatar and he admitted he was looking forward to the experience.
"I am delighted to be invited to the Qatar Masters and look forward with great anticipation to visiting this fascinating country for the first time," he said. "Visiting emerging golf destinations and making new friends is always exciting."
Clarke and Player will headline a field battling for a total prize fund of $1.5 million, double what was on offer last year when Tony Johnstone won his sixth European Tour title with a two shot victory over Robert Karlsson.
Hassan Al Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Golf Association, admitted he was thrilled at the prospect of Clarke and Player teeing up at Doha Golf Club.
"We are pleased that a player of Darren Clarke's ability has agreed to play in the 2002 Qatar Masters," he said. "As a winner of numerous titles around the globe and one of the leading players in the World Ranking, we are confident that he will bring further media interest to the tournament.
"We are also delighted that Gary Player, one of the true legends of golf, will be playing in the 2002 Qatar Masters.
"He is recognised throughout the world not only for his renowned golfing ability, but also for his dignity and integrity. The younger generation of emerging players can no doubt learn a great deal from the way he has behaved on and off the golf course.
"In addition to participating in this year's tournament, we will also be discussing our plans to develop additional championship golf courses with the Gary Player Design Group in Qatar."
Other players already confirmed for the tournament are defending champion Tony Johnstone alongside other former winners Andrew Coltart and Rolf Muntz. Also in action will be reigning Volvo PGA Champion Andrew Oldcorn as well as Paul McGinley and Phillip Price, both Members of the 2002 European Ryder Cup Team.
