Day one digest: 2021 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 

Everything you need to know from Thursday's opening round in Doha.

David Law set the pace, while Jorge Campillo’s first ever defence of a European Tour title got off to a strong start on day one of the 2021 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. 

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday's opening round in Doha. 

Law leads the way 

Scotland’s Law propelled himself to the top of the leaderboard with a sparkling 64 on Thursday afternoon. After opening his round with three straight birdies, he picked up further shots at the seventh, eighth, 13th and 15th to get to seven under and establish a one shot lead. He was pleased with how he stuck to his processes out on course, saying: “I’ve been guilty over the last few weeks when I’ve had decent rounds going of not finishing them off. I was semi-conscious of sticking with it and trying to go low. I was really happy with how I stuck to my routines, my processes and I came out of it with a good score.”

Pepperell’s strong start

Englishman Eddie Pepperell admitted ahead of this week’s event that he didn’t have a clue what sort of shape his game is in. From the way he started on Thursday, I’d say it’s looking pretty good. Former champion Pepperell opened his round by sinking three birdie putts before chipping in from just off the green to make it four in a row. He would go on to sign for a 69. But considering he didn’t know which way it was going to go, I’m sure Eddie will be pretty pleased with that.

Campillo’s first defence 

Despite being a two time European Tour champion, this is Jorge Campillo’s first experience of defending a title at this level. The 34-year-old was unable to defend the Trophée Hassan II crown he won in 2019 after the tournament was cancelled last year due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Just before the enforced hiatus, Campillo tasted victory in Doha to claim his second trophy, and is back to defend it this week. He made a solid start on Thursday, signing for a 67 to sit three shots back.

Flag comes to Migliozzi’s rescue 

Golfers can be forgiven for feeling a bit hard done by when their ball hits the flag and doesn’t drop, but the opposite was true for Guido Migliozzi on Thursday. His speedy chip looked to be heading for the water had it not clattered the pin, so even though it didn’t finish up in the hole, the Italian can’t have too many complaints.

World-beating views 

This week’s venue boasts incredible views of one of the host stadiums for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar - Education City Stadium. The 40,000-capacity ground will play host to group games as well as a last-16 clash and a quarter-final.