Doha, Qatar: Top-tier golf action returns to the picturesque Doha Golf Club, where a stellar lineup of Major champions and LIV Golf stars are set to vie for top honours at the high-stakes International Series Qatar, teeing off today.
The strong field includes 120 golfers with Major champions Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel among the contenders. However, last year’s inaugural Qatar winner, Andy Ogletree, will not be participating in this event.
Representing the host country, Saleh Al Kaabi and Daniil Sokolov will look to make their mark in the tournament.
The International Series Qatar, the penultimate event of the season for both the International Series and the Asian Tour, features a lucrative $2.5m purse.
From left: John Catlin of USA, Patrick Reed of USA and Ben Campbell of New Zealand with the winner's trophy during the official practice round yesterday.
With American John Catlin leading both the International Series and Asian Tour Order of Merit rankings, the Qatar event is crucial for determining final rankings ahead of the $5m season-ending PIF Saudi International next week.
Catlin, 34, could potentially clinch the Asian Tour title with a strong finish in Doha, depending on other results. However, he knows the challenge will be tough with New Zealand’s Ben Campbell, American Reed and his compatriot Michael Maguire also in fray for the title.
“It would mean so much to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit, as this is where it all started for me,” said Catlin, a six-time winner on the Asian Tour, yesterday.
“It’s been a special year. I’ve accomplished a lot, and with two more weeks to go, I hope to achieve more and clinch both the Asian Tour and International Series titles. But there’s a lot of hard work ahead.”
The 2018 Masters champion, Reed, is fresh off his win in Hong Kong last week—his 10th career victory and first since his Farmers Insurance Open title at Torrey Pines in January 2021.
“That was huge,” said Reed in a pre-event press conference.
“I’ve been trying to get that 10th win for a while, and it’s been frustrating because I felt like the game was there, but I just couldn’t get over the line. It feels great to finally get to double digits.”
Reed, who will compete at Doha Golf Club for the first time, is bracing for the forecasted windy conditions during the tournament.
From left: Qatar's Saleh Al Kaabi and Daniil Sokolov pose for a photo alongside Morocco's Adam Bresnu and Othman Raouzi.
“The course is in really good shape, but you have to hit the fairways,” Reed said. “The rough makes it tough. The ball never sits up, always finding its way to the bottom. It’s crucial to hit the tee shots solid and straight, and then control the iron shots.”
Ranked second in the International Series and third in the Asian Tour rankings, Campbell is confident he can handle the challenging conditions as he looks to overtake Catlin.
“I grew up in New Zealand, where there’s always wind, so I’m looking forward to it. I think the wind will pick up,” Campbell said.
So yes, I feel like I normally play pretty well in the wind, driving the ball well. So I’m looking forward to it. The course is in amazing shape, the rough is pretty long. But the greens are rolling amazing. So it’s going to be class. I’m looking forward to it.”
Al Kaabi and Sokolov look to impress
Al Kaabi, meanwhile said he’s ready for the challenge.
“This is my fourth International Series event, and I’m confident, especially after a good performance in the Arab Championship in the UAE. I’m looking forward to a strong performance,” Al Kaabi told reporters.
Sokolov added, “I know this course well, and I’ll play my game to try to secure a good finish. Competing with the leading golfers is an honour, and I’m hoping to give my best.”
Tournament Information
Date: November 27- 30
Venue: Doha Golf Club
Par/Yards: Par 72 / 7,437 Yards
Purse: $2.5m ($450,000 for winner)
Asian Tour leg: 20th event of the 2024 season
International Series leg: Ninth
Edition of tournament: Second
Total number of players: 120
Format: 72-hole stroke play with a cut made after two rounds. The leading 65 pros plus ties make it through to the weekend
