When making its debut in 1998, this event became just the second European Tour tournament to take place on the Arabian Peninsula – a number which has since grown to six or more in some seasons. Initially attracting only modest fields, the Qatar Masters increased in quality over the years, benefiting from increased prize money and a slot in the calendar right next to tournaments in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Adam Scott become the first dual winner of the event (2002, 2008) followed by Paul Lawrie (1999, 2012), and Branden Grace who bagged back-to-back editions in 2015 and 2016.
The Qatar Masters takes place at the Peter Harradine-designed Doha Golf Club Course. One of the longest courses on the European Tour schedule, the layout plays into the hands of the big hitters. However, power is not the only attribute required at a challenging track which places just as much emphasis on strategic shot placement.
Past Winners
| Year | Course | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Doha Golf Club | Ewen Ferguson |
2022: Ewen Ferguson
Ewen Ferguson was admirably honest after his victory in the 2022 Qatar Masters. The 25 year old admitted that he struggled with the pressure of trying to close out his first win on the DP World Tour. That much was obvious to anybody watching as he made a horrible start to his final round with a double bogey on the second hole. Ferguson was able to draw on his experience of falling out of contention at the Magical Kenya Open and battle through successfully.
It wasn’t just the pressure of a maiden win working against Ferguson. He also had to cope with the worst of the weather in Qatar as the desert winds whipped up. Perhaps due to the amount of golf he played in inclement conditions growing up in Scotland, Ferguson appeared well equipped to deal with the wind, displaying excellent control of his ball flight.
A large number of players lined up behind Ferguson to challenge him for the title. In the end it was Chase Hanna who pushed him hardest but the American could only reach -6, one shot worse than Ferguson. “I’m absolutely buzzing,” Ferguson said afterwards. “It’s the sweetest day of my life, never mind my golf career.”