Since its inaugural running in 1998, the Qatar Masters has gained admiration from the Golf world as it attracts the best talent from the sport.  

Organisers of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters say the upcoming tournament is expected to put on the best version of the European Tour (DP World Tour) golf event.

Speaking at a press conference at the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), organisers voiced high anticipations for the October tour and said it will be a hallmark of the sport in the Middle East region.

“The golf course is in immaculate condition this year. And we are playing a tougher golf course than we have in the past, and a few holes have been lengthening as well,” said Mikael Eriksson, Tournament Director of DP World Tour.

“I think the scoring will be good because I think the greens are excellent, in very good condition,” the sporting head added.

The biggest headline in this year’s Qatar Masters, scheduled for 26-29 October, is the tournament’s prize money increasing from its previous sum of $2 million to $3.75 million.

In response to what makes Qatar’s Golf Courses unique, Eriksson told Doha News pointed to the facilities.

“I think it’s unique, how it’s been played. I mean, the all the players are giving it a big praise for how the design is, is and the layout of the golf course,” Eriksson said.

“And obviously, at this time of the year, now when the Bermuda rough is up, the course will play tougher, and they really have enjoyed coming here over so many years, and the golf course is improving every year. And as I think this is the best, I’ve seen it coming here in the last 10 years,” he added.

Eriksson said there will be high competition for golfers who aim not only to receive the $3.75 million prize but also to gain the ranking points as it is the last counting event of the DP World tour.

“There’s a lot of players, as we say, on the bubble, to keep their playing rights for next year. They are fighting for that. And we also have a lot of players here, but it’s competing for players in the finals. So a very important tournament for everybody. It’s the last counting event on the DP World Tour,” Eriksson stated in the press conference.

With the PGA Tour taking a week’s break, Qatar’s hosting of the DP World Tour takes center stage.

One hundred thirty-two players will arrive in Qatar where Ewen Ferguson will be defending the DP World Tour title.

Ferguson claimed his maiden DP World Tour title after producing a solid finish in windy conditions to win by one shot.

Officials say calm weather will aid the golfers despite temperatures still remaining high this late in the year.