Retief Goosen eyes second win in Qatar

Doha: South African Retief Goosen, winner of the title during his maiden appearance in 2007, will return exclusively to Doha next month looking for a second win in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

A birdie-eagle finish for ‘the Goose' that year saw him lift the title in dramatic fashion from playing partner Nick O'Hern of Australia with the shot of the tournament being the 35ft eagle putt on the last that both secured the win and broke O'Hern's heart.

"We are always delighted to welcome back our former champions, especially Retief who holds a special place in the history of the event," said Hassan Al Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Golf Association. "His one-shot win in 2007 was without doubt the most dramatic ending we have ever seen in Doha."

Now 40 and a two-time Major winner, Goosen will be one of the most experienced players in the 126-man field for the thirteenth staging of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

That win in Doha in 2007 was his fourteenth European Tour title with and he continues to win all around the world with victories in 2009 in the Africa Open on the Sunshine Tour and the Transitions Championship on the US PGA Tour.

His two Major wins at the US Open in 2001 and 2004 secured his position among the golfing elite, while in 2001 he was the first non-European to win the Order of Merit since Greg Norman in 1982 and the first South African to win the Harry Vardon Trophy since Dale Hayes in 1975.

Although Goosen was unable to defend his Qatar title in 2008 because of an eye complaint that forced him to withdraw on the eve of the tournament, he did make a return to Doha Golf Club in January 2009 finishing in a tie for 21st place.

"This year was a better year than 2008," said Goosen. "I think that had I putted better then I may have had more wins, but I was pleased with my tee to green. I'm certainly looking forward to next year where my first tournament is in Hawaii."

Goosen is the latest golfing giant to commit to the event — scheduled to take place from January 28 to 31, joining Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry and Camilo Villegas in the line-up.

"The line up for the 2010 event is getting stronger by the day," said Commercialbank Group CEO Andrew Stevens.