Qatar event expected to encourage young talent

Doha, Qatar: According to the man at the helm of the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), the staging of the 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy will give a much needed boost to the country's young national golfers.

The $2.5 million (Dh9.17 million) tournament - which will see US stars Boo Weekley and Brandt Snedeker making their first Gulf appearances - is being staged by the QGA in association with the Qatar Olympic Committee and title sponsor Commercialbank.

QGA President Hassan Al Nuami believes showcasing the world's best players can only aid the development of Qatar's fledgling golfers.

"The Qatar National Golf Team consists of young players and being exposed to the world's best professional golfers at Doha Golf Club can only benefit their golfing education," he said.

"The special pre-tournament clinics also allow them to get hands-on advice from Major winners, Ryder Cup stars and international golfers of the highest quality.

"Add in the fact that many of these youngsters compete in teams with the stars during the Commercialbank Qatar Masters Rolex Pro-Am - held at Doha Golf Club in championship conditions - and you can see how these opportunities can improve the technical side of our national golfers."

To be staged at Doha Golf Club from January 22-25, 2009, the twelfth staging of the event will see Snedeker and Weekley in among 120 professionals competing for one of the most prestigious titles on the PGA European Tour.

Al Nuami was also quick to praise the efforts of everyone concerned in raising the profile of Qatar as a key overseas venue on the European Tour calendar.

"Preparations include a comprehensive and well-equipped media centre that will serve local, regional and international media organisations," he said.

Al Nuami expects to see record numbers through the gates at the Doha Golf Club. "New spectator stands have been added to cover various areas," he said.