World No. Five Confirms Place in Commercialbank Qatar Masters 2007
Doha, (Qatar): World number five and former European Tour number one Retief Goosen will make his playing debut in Qatar when the Commercialbank Qatar Masters 2007 is staged at the Doha Golf Club next month.
For the two-time Major winner it will be yet another international stopping point in what is an illustrious career and he is sure to have strong vocal support from the South African contingent among the spectators at the tenth staging of the Commercialbank of Qatar-sponsored tournament from January 25-28.
For Goosen it will be the first time he has played in an event that is part of the PGA European Tour and is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
"Since turning professional in 1990, Retief Goosen has won two Majors and become one of the most admired and respected players in world golf," said Commercialbank of Qatar CEO Andrew Stevens. "Naturally, we are honoured and delighted he has agreed to join us for the tenth anniversary of a tournament we believe will be the biggest and best yet. The field of 120 players is growing all the time as the players on the PGA European Tour plan their schedules for 2007 and we will announce more big names in the days and weeks to come."
The inclusion of Goosen is a major boost for the tournament following the massive commitment given to the event by title sponsors Commercialbank of Qatar.
"It’s no secret that we want to make this tournament one of the top events on both the PGA European Tour and the Asian Tour," added Stevens. "We are totally dedicated to that cause – and I believe that is underlined by the star players we are inviting to Doha."
The winner of two US Opens, Goosen is rated as one of the most consistent players in the world and has won internationally every year since 1995. Now 37, Goosen captured his first US Open Championship title at Southern Hills, Tulsa, in 2001 where he beat Mark Brooks in an 18-hole play-off and took his place among golf’s elite three years later with a stunning victory at Shinnecock Hills in 2004, holding off the challenge of Masters Champion Phil Mickelson.
At the end of 2001, the man from Pietersburg became the first non-European to win the Order of Merit since 1982 and the first South African to win the Harry Vardon Trophy since 1975.
He followed it up in 2002 by becoming the first non-European to retain the crown after a battle with Ireland’s Padraig Harrington which went right to the final event of the season. In 2004, he took second place behind fellow South African Ernie Els, was fourth in 2005 and ended the 2006 campaign in 12th spot having played just 16 events.
But while Goosen’s unflappable shot making will make him one of the favourites to lift the Commercialbank Qatar Masters title, it’s his utterly chilled demeanour that intrigues fans and media the world over.
"One thing about golf is you’re always going to make mistakes," said Goosen. "So you’ve got to try and get it out of your mind as quickly as possible and carry on to the next hole and try to make up with a birdie.
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"We’re all nervous out there – it’s just how you handle it, keep your concentration and not let your mind wander on what’s going on outside the ropes. I might look calm on the course, but on the inside you’re always nervous. That’s how the game is."
Despite a busy international schedule, Goosen has no problems with golf’s jet set lifestyle. "We’ve been doing it for so long now, 15 or 20 years, so I suppose I’m used to it now," he said. Playing different continents, different courses, the different people you play against – I think playing in America can get boring after while. Travelling the world allows you see different things."
More information on the Commercialbank Qatar Masters 2007 is available at the official website www.qatar-masters.com.
Contact:
Alan Ewens
Commercialbank Qatar Masters Media Manager
PO Box 52465, Dubai.
Tel: +9714 3512887.
Mob: +97150 4514188.
alan2804@emirates.net.ae
www.qatar-masters.com
