Ernie Els won the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Pro-Am for the second straight year after the South African superstar captained his Gulf Times team to victory yesterday afternoon.
Els, a four-time major winner, led his team featuring amateurs Rachid Aki, Chawki Harb and Matthew Moucharafleh to a medal score of -32 in the traditional curtain-raiser to the long-standing European Tour event, which is celebrating its 20th edition.
China’s Li Haotong led his Rolex team featuring Marc Valentin, Henning Rudbech and Russel James to second place on -29, while Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen and his De Boer team finished third on -26.
Teams captained by 2016 European Tour Rookie of the Year Wang Jeunghun, two-time major winner Martin Kaymer and eight-time European Tour winner Thongchai Jaidee finished -24.
The Pro-Am featured 34 pros, each teaming up with three amateurs that included a range of VIPs and celebrities.
Commercial Bank (CBQ), Qatar Golf Association (QGA) and Doha Golf Club (DGC) all fielded several teams, while tournament sponsors and partners also had teams. Stephen Gallacher’s Commercial Bank team included Joseph Abraham, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank, and Gary McGlinchey, General Manager of Doha Golf Club.
Prizes were awarded at a lavish Pro-Am Dinner hosted by The St. Regis Doha, the tournament’s Preferred Hotel.
The CBQM tees off today, with the first groups teeing off from 6.30am and the last flights off at 12.20pm.
Gulf Times team comprised of Ernie Els (left), amateurs Rachid Aki, Chawki Harb and Matthew Moucharafleh.
