Retief Goosen has confirmed he will defend the Commercialbank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club next month.
No-one in the ten year history of the tournament has managed to win it twice, but Goosen will be hoping to make history on the back of his dramatic victory last year.
The South African won the 2007 Commercialbank Qatar Masters with a stunning birdie-eagle finish on the final two holes to snatch the title from Australian Nick O’Hern courtesy of a snaking 35 foot eagle putt that saw him finish on fifteen under par 273.
“There was definitely a little bit of excitement at the end last time I was in Doha,” said Goosen, who had no hesitation in agreeing to return to the scene of his last PGA European Tour win.
“Obviously you feel for the guy when you make the putt but that’s happened to all of us. I just happened to make the right shot at the right time to win the tournament.
“Because of that result I have wonderful memories of my first visit to Qatar where the course was superb, the line-up as good as any tournament and the people extremely welcoming. I certainly had no hesitation in agreeing to come back.”
Goosen’s first visit to the 7374 yard course saw him become the third South African to lift one of the most prestigious titles on the PGA European Tour’s overseas calendar.
After securing the 14th European Tour title of his career, Goosen went on to finish fourth in the Johnnie Walker Classic and was joint runner behind winner Zach Johnson at the Masters Tournament.
This season, the two time Major winner has notched up two top twenty finishes and heads for Doha determined to stage a serious defence of his title against a top class field that will include Sergio Garcia and Adam Scott.
Andrew Stevens, CEO of the Commercialbank Group, said: “It was good to see Retief enjoy a successful season after winning the Commercialbank Qatar Masters here last year as he also went on to finish in ninth place in the Order of Merit,.
“No-one who was at the tournament last year will forget that amazing last hole finish, which was probably the most dramatic ending we have ever had to the event since it started back in 1998.”
More information on the 2008 Commercialbank Qatar Masters is available at the official website:www.qatar-masters.com.
