Sergio Garcia has competed in Doha every year since 2007.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
World No 4 Sergio Garcia has confirmed he will defend his Commercial Bank Qatar Masters title at Doha Golf Club from January 21-24, a year after winning the tournament for the first time by beating Mikko Ilonen in a playoff.
Garcia, 34, lifted the Mother of Pearl Trophy on his ninth attempt, having first competed in the event as a 19-year-old in 1999. He has competed in Doha every year since 2007, posting six top-10s in his last seven appearances. The popular Spaniard, who helped Europe win the Ryder Cup last month, is currently second in this year’s Race to Dubai behind World No 1 Rory McIlroy, but already has one eye on his 10th appearance in Doha. “I always enjoy the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and it will mean a lot to me to arrive in Doha as defending champion this time,” said Garcia, whose supporters at Doha Golf Club included Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke when he won his 11th European Tour title.
“It was fantastic to lift the Mother of Pearl Trophy in January and it really acted as a springboard for one of my most consistent seasons. I like the Doha Golf Club course, I like the weather in Qatar at that time of the year and the fans are always great. I have good friends in Doha and a great relationship with the Qatar Golf Association and its president Hassan al-Nuaimi, so all in all I really enjoy going there, which is also why I have a good record in Qatar.”
In an impressive season Garcia has risen to World No 3. Following his win in Doha, Garcia’s joint runner-up finish behind McIlroy at The Open Championship in July was among four second-place finishes, while he also picked up two thirds, two fourths and three more top-10s, while only missing one cut.
“Looking ahead to next season and in particular to the new year in January; I would like to start strongly again in Doha. I can’t promise to win, but I can promise to give my best and I’ve got a pretty good record there.”
Hassan al-Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Golf Association, said the return of the 2014 champion was a great boost to the 18th edition of the country’s leading golf tournament.
“We are always delighted to welcome back Sergio Garcia to the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, although this time it is even more special as he will return as defending champion and arguably more popular than ever, especially after his outstanding season and helping Europe to win the Ryder Cup,” al-Nuaimi said.
Commercial Bank is marking its 10th year as title sponsor of the event, during which time champions have included Garcia, Ryder Cup representatives Henrik Stenson, Thomas Björn, Paul Lawrie and Robert Karlsson, former World No 1 Adam Scott and two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen.
Many of the world’s top golfers compete each year at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, which has been held at Doha Golf Club since its inauguration in 1998. The club’s desert-type Championship Course is one of the longest par-72 courses on The European Tour. Tickets for the 2015 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters will go on sale from October 30.
