Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Phillip Price, all Members of the most recent winning European Team, are among 11 Ryder Cup players and 42 European Tour tournament winners in the Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club on March 13-16.
Ken Schofield, Executive Director of The European Tour, said: “All preparations including golf course, accommodation and transportation are complete and secure. Additional contingencies are in place should eventualities require.
“We have a full, 150-man field in place with a third of our Membership seeking and willing to play if called on as reserves.
“All players who withdraw are immediately replaced. Players do withdraw from tournaments – this year, for example, 74 withdrew from Malaysia, 36 from Singapore, 33 from the South African Airways Open and 31 each from the Johnnie Walker Classic and the ANZ Championship which is similar in number to the 40 to have withdrawn from Qatar. It should be made quite clear that players withdraw from tournaments at different times and for different reasons. For instance Nick Faldo took the decision to withdraw from Qatar on January 13 and, for the record, Adam Scott, the defending champion, had not entered.”
Brigadier Hassan, President of the Qatar Masters, said: “We have invited 150 participants to Qatar and as over the past five years will take good care of everyone, the local and expatriate community are eager to support the tournament.”
Ian Woosnam, winner of 29 European Tour events and 44 titles worldwide and Anders Hansen, winner of the 2002 Volvo PGA Championship, are also challenging for the 231,000 euro first prize from a total prize fund of 1,390,000 euro.
