World Number 11 Ian Poulter has joined what is set to be another powerful field for the $2.5 million Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy, to be staged later this month.
The flamboyant Englishman will join fellow stars Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey, Kenny Perry, Sergio Garcia and Retief Goosen for the European Tour event being played from January 28-31 at Doha Golf Club.
Although the 33 year old has yet to win on the Gulf stage, he displayed tremendous consistency throughout 2009 which culminated in victory at the Barclays Singapore Open in November for his eighth European Tour title, en route to finishing ninth in The Race to Dubai.
“Poulter couldn’t make it last year as he was recovering from eye surgery so he’ll receive a warm welcome back from all of us in Doha in two weeks’ time,” said Hassan Al Nuami, President of the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), organisers of the tournament in association with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and title sponsors Commercialbank.
Commercialbank Group CEO Andrew Stevens added: "Everyone who loves sport enjoys seeing players who are not only wonderful at their game but are also great characters.
“I think we were all a little disappointed when Ian opted out of playing in the three Desert Swing events last year. He adds a great deal of colour to the event and I remember how generous he was at a golf clinic held for Doha’s youngsters back in 2008. It will be a pleasure to have him back in Qatar and we wish him every success in 2010.”
