Defending Qatar Masters champion Adam Scott will be looking to maintain his 100 per cent record at Doha Golf Club without any practice this week after his clubs were lost in transit from Hawaii. The Australian will be up against the strongest field assembled for a regular European Tour event which includes six Irish players.
Last year Scott produced a scintillating course record 11-under-par 61 in the final round to claim a second Pearl trophy following his 2002 victory.
The world number 14 heads to Doha in form after finishing second behind Zach Johnson in the Sony Open in Hawaii last week.
However his clubs failed to follow him on the 22-hour trip, meaning he was unable to take part in today’s pro-am, and he was hoping they would arrive before tomorrow mornings tee-off time.
“I walked the course, it’s in great condition, a little more lush than last year but it was nice to get out there again,” Scott, 28, said. “There are a lot of good memories from the last time I went around it. It’s good to be back defending and keep this run going in Qatar.
“When I have been to Qatar I have played well and when I play well I generally drive the ball well, and I think you need to drive the ball well as it’s a lengthy course.
“The tee shots suit my eyes so I hit a lot of fairways which gives me a lot of chances, so if I can make some putts I am going to be up there.”
Scott was delighted with his putting in Hawaii although he was using a new one-off custom putter which was also lost after leaving San Francisco.
A replacement set of clubs is also being sent from suppliers in the UK as a precaution, and with both sets expected to arrive this evening, Scott remained upbeat and insists he is fresh despite his journey to the Middle East.
World number two Sergio Garcia headlines the strong line-up which contains 18 of the world’s top 50 and betters the field assembled at the 2002 Scottish Open. Rory McIrloy, fifth last weekend, heads the Irish challenge and will be joined by Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Damien McGrane, Peter Lawrie and Gary Murphy.
Garcia is also confident about his chances following his eighth-place finish last week in Abu Dhabi, although the Spaniard is looking to continue his form from the weekend after struggling to fire over his opening two rounds.
“The field this week shows the strength of the European players,” he said. “When we used to have two or three Europeans in the top 10 in the world rankings, we now have five or six so I think it’s great.
“It’s great for the tournament and it’s great for the tour, hopefully we will put on a good show this week.”
The 29-year-old claimed the world number two spot following his HSBC Champions win in November.
He added: “I feel like my game is coming along and I am looking forward to getting off to a good start this week to have a good, solid chance of winning.
“I was pleased with the weekend last week, I wasn’t happy with the first few days, but I was able to find my game over the weekend and finish inside the top 10.
“I’m looking forward to keeping the same direction and hopefully have four good days and have a good chance on Sunday.”
American Ryder Cup player Boo Weekley, who recently took up European Tour membership, faces nine of the 12 Europeans he helped beat at Valhalla including Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey.
Ernie Els, Martin Kaymer and Africa Open winner Retief Goosen also feature at the event.
