World Number Two Sergio Garcia will jet in to Doha for the 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy, with an eye on the top of the Official World Golf Ranking.
The 28 year-old Spaniard has added his name to an outstanding field for the twelfth staging of the US$ 2.5 million European Tour event to be held at Doha Golf Club from January 22-25.
With World Number One Tiger Woods sidelined through injury, Garcia is currently the hottest player on the planet and his inclusion in the 120-man Doha field is another massive boost for an event staged by the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Commercialbank.
“Sergio made huge strides in 2008 with victories on both The European Tour and the US PGA TOUR,” said QGA President Hassan Al Nuami. “As a result of his phenomenally successful year, he has moved to Number Two in the world and a win here in Doha will get him even closer to top spot. We are absolutely delighted he has chosen to return to Qatar.”
Although Garcia has yet to win a title on the Middle East’s booming golf scene, this will be his third consecutive visit to Doha. The current leader in the Race to Dubai standings is a big supporter of the region.
“The tournaments in the Middle East are great,” he said. “The fields are good and you get a lot of World Ranking points. You're moving in the right direction.”
Facing Garcia, Boo Weekley, Brandt Snedeker and the many other household names who will play in Qatar is the notoriously tough 7388-yard Doha Golf Club with its biting desert winds.
“As always the course is looking in great shape for the tournament and will again provide a different type of test to those faced in the other Middle East events,” said Commercialbank Group CEO Andrew Stevens.
“However, we are looking at a field of players with more strength in depth than any other event in the region – and with the World Number Two set to join us these are exciting times for the tournament.”
