One of the world’s most in-form players going by current form, Sweden’s Alex Noren has won four European Tour titles over the past five months and finished third in the 2016 Race to Dubai, behind compatriot Henrik Stenson, the reigning Open champion, and Masters winner Danny Willett. As Noren looks ahead to a new European Tour season, the 34-year-old is eager to return to Doha and play in the 20th edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters where he first competed in 2007 and recorded a tournament-best finish of fourth in 2013. Naren spoke to Satya Rath ahead of the European Tour event that starts at the Doha Golf Club on Thursday. Excerpts:
1. You had a great 2016 season…
I was not expecting a year like that but I worked hard on all parts of the game and that first win in Scotland gave me a lot of confidence for the remainder of the season. I would like to maintain that form. It looks as if I will have the opportunity to play in all four majors so I will be keen to play well in those events but ultimately I am just looking to get better and better.
2. This will be the ninth time you will be playing in the CBQM. Tell us about your experience so far?
The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters is a great event and the Middle East Swing is an excellent way to start the European Tour season. The weather is always perfect, the facilities are great and it’s just a fantastic place to gauge where your game is.
3. Barring a tied-fourth finish in 2013, have the results been up to your expectations in Doha?
I usually don’t set goals, I’m more focused on getting the swing in good place, and if that happens and I hole a few putts I am hopefully in contention on the last day. Of course you always try to win and hopefully I can give myself an opportunity to do that this year.
4. It is normally a bit windy at this time of the year in Doha. Is that a big challenge?
Being from Sweden I’m used to the wind and cold. And the current weather in Doha, in my view, is very pleasant, not particularly windy and chilly! I have had some good results in cold and windy conditions, and I think it creates a nice challenge.
5. Your most memorable win?
All my wins are special, but of course the two wins of Nordea Masters on home soil will always be special memories!
6. And the most heart-breaking loss?
It’s best not to think about the losses too much, but losing in the final of the Paul Lawrie MatchPlay was tough… I played well and the match was always close but the competition from Anthony Wall ultimately was too good.
7. Which, according to you, is the most difficult golf course to play on?
Most recently I’ve been playing and practicing at the Bear’s Club in Florida which is a very difficult course, especially since it’s usually quite windy. Since I’ve made some small changes in my swing during the winter break, trying to score good on the Bear’s makes it feel like the most difficult club in the world!
8. Your thoughts on the Doha Golf Club course?
I’ve always liked the course, it’s a great combination of long and short holes. I really like the final stretch up 16th, 17th and 18th where anything can happen. Holes 17 and 18 are real risk reward holes and in the right wind, can make or break a good score.
9. Three Swedish golfers have won the Qatar Masters before: Karlsson in 2010, Stenson in 2006 and Joakim Haeggmann in 2004. Can we expect an in-form Noren to be the fourth Swede to win in Qatar in the event’s 20th edition?
It’s tough competition out there and anyone can win. Being in contention on the last day would be fantastic! And especially, on Commercial Bank Qatar Master’s 20th anniversary.