Doha: Steve Webster shot a sensational albatross on his very first hole at the Qatar Masters on Wednesday but despite his feat the opening round lead was held by South Africa’s George Coetzee after a late birdie blitz.

Englishman Webster, who started out on the par five 10th tee, saw his five-wood approach from 254 yards disappear into the cup.

But he eventually had to settle for a share of second place with Dawie Van der Walt after Coetzee finished with three consecutive birdies to take a one-shot lead with an eight-under 64.

Van der Walt had earlier carded a fluent 65 to take the provisional clubhouse lead, but Webster was set to overtake him after being four under after just three holes.

But, after a steady display, a bogey on his 15th saw Webster end up in a tie for second with Van der Walt, who had carded a bogey-free round.

Webster’s albatross was the second of the season on the European Tour after Dutchman Joost Luiten produced one at the Volvo Golf Champions in Durban earlier this month.

However, this was the first time at this level that anyone had shot an albatross on his opening hole. Webster was pleased with what he called a “dream start”.

“254 to the pin, wind slightly off the left. I was going to say 5-iron but it was a 5-wood. Hit a great shot obviously straight at it,” said Webster.

“Because I carry a big crowd following me, there was about two people behind the green and one of them started jumping up and pointing down. Thought, don’t know whether it’s gone over the back to the rocks, get up there and he starts clapping. Dream start.

“I played great after that and was just really consistent, gave myself a lot of putts and gave myself a lot of chances. I was probably a little disappointed with 7-under to be honest. I should have finished probably nine or ten, but it’s a good start.”

Coetzee, who was tied second with Sergio Garcia at last year’s Qatar Masters won by Chris Wood, played a brilliant back nine that he began with an eagle on the 548-yard 10th, where Webster had recorded his feat.

However, he dropped a shot on the 13th before three straight birdies from the 16th helped him clinch the lead.

Spaniards Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Elviro Nacho shared fourth on 66 along with Frenchman Francois Calmels and England’s Ross Fishe.