Former World No.1 Martin Kaymer in action in this file photo.
Former World No.1 Martin Kaymer’s bid to end his title drought at the European Tour will face a serious challenge from a host of challengers at this year’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which tees off today.
Besides, defending champion Justin Harding, last week’s Oman Open winner Sami Valimaki and 2018 winner Eddie Pepperell are some who will be vying for the top prize at the $1.75m event.
For the first time in its 23-year history, the event has been moved from its long time home at Doha Golf Club to Education City Golf Club - a landmark project for Qatar and the world of golf - which offers a revolutionary and holistic approach to growing the game.
The German, who has been having a consistent run this season with four consecutive top 20s, is hoping he can turn his good run by laying his hands on The Mother of Pearl trophy at the brand new golf course on Sunday.
Kaymer said recently that he felt he had maybe been lacking focus for the last couple of years but after changing his trajectory to gain some length off the tee and working hard on his short game.
“I’ve been playing well. I’m working a lot on the short game, trying to get that putter in the right momentum,” he said.
“I’m very happy with the way I hit fairways, the way I hit greens, I’m playing very consistently and those top 16 finishes, it would be nice to make a couple more putts to actually have a chance to win,” he added.
The German with 11 European Tour wins against his name including two Major Championships has been indifferent in the last few years with his last win coming nearly six years back at the 2014 US Open Championship.
The 35-year-old feels he is not far from ending his win drought and feels the wind will be the biggest challenge.
“We had it already last week in Oman when it was really windy. Here it feels like it is more gusty so that will be very difficult.
“You will have some shots where you will get unlucky, it’s just a matter of accepting the good and the bad breaks and just go with it - there’s not much you can do.
“It’s always different. In a tournament it really matters, to really understand and get to know the golf course in tournament mode - the way you play different holes, you’re going to play a bit more aggressive here and there.
Meanwhile, Harding is hoping last year’s memories of his victory in Doha can fuel his challenge for more success in Qatar.
The South African lifted his maiden European Tour title in dramatic fashion at last year’s event after some last day heroics saw him hold off a big chasing pack at Doha Golf Club. He fired five birdies on the back nine - including at the 15th, 17th and 18th - to earn a two shot victory from a group of nine players who tied for second.
The 34-year-old is hoping that he can made a repeat show of last year at the new golf course.
“It was a bad little 45 minute wait but nobody seemed to really post a score. I think there were nine guys tied for second so I was quite pleased to avoid a play-off! It was cool to have finally crossed the line and got a W. It is just a matter of trying to feed on the same sort of memories this week and see if we can defend it,” he said about his last year’s win in Qatar.
Harding said the wind will be playing a big part on who finishes on the podium.
“It’s just one of those where you’ve got to go out and play with what you have on the day and deal with what happens. It’s a good golf course, I’ve played nine holes and I think the wind’s going to blow. It’s going to make it challenging for scoring. You’ll probably find it’s not going to be 20 under par winning, it’s going to anywhere in between 12 and 15,” Harding said.
“I’m looking forward to going out, seeing if we can execute plans, make some birdies and see what happens,” he added.
Finland’s Valimak having secured his first European Tour title with Oman Open triumph three days back will be looking to continue the good run in Qatar.
“It’s a very strong field here, but I hope to match my Oman performance in Doha,” said Valimaki, who was in the top ten of the World Amateur Golf Rankings in 2018 and turned professional following the completion of his military service in Finland.
