Justin Rose to play in Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

Sport360 staff 21:31 23/12/2014
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  • World No. 6 Justin Rose will compete in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters for the second time in three years as the 2013 US Open Champion joins Ryder Cup teammates Henrik Stenson and defending champion Sergio Garcia in an increasingly strong line-up in Doha.

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    Rose, 34, recently finished third in The Race to Dubai – behind Rory McIlroy and Stenson, currently World No. 1 and 2 respectively – after a strong finish to the season, having already won his seventh European Tour title at the Scottish Open in July.

    The Englishman – who will be making his sixth appearance in Doha – is now determined to continue that form into the 18th Qatar Masters, which will be held at Doha Golf Club from January 21-24.

    “I finished the season playing really well and I want to build on that in Doha. I enjoyed myself at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters a couple of years ago and I’m looking forward to returning. I felt increasingly comfortable on the course and want to really have another go at it this time,” said Rose, who tied for 16th on his last visit when he memorably met Wayne Rooney on a tee-box as Manchester United stars watched the action.

    “Henrik beat us all in Dubai, so he’ll be another strong contender, especially as I know he plays in Doha every year. It’ll be tough, but I’m confident I’ll be in with a shout this time.”

    Rose and Stenson proved an unstoppable pairing in September’s Ryder Cup, as the duo won all three of their matches against the USA to help Europe retain the trophy. Their three wins included a Ryder Cup record of 12 birdies in 16 holes to beat Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson 3&2 in the fourballs.

    Rose said: “Henrik and I had an incredible time at The Ryder Cup. It’s always an amazing event, but it was a real privilege to team up with Henrik and play so well. We really fed off each other. I much prefer playing with him than against him, but I’m looking forward to meeting up with him and Sergio and other guys from the team in Doha.”

    Rose has also continued to shine in the USA and won his sixth PGA Tour title in June to continue his run of lifting at least trophy on the Tour each season from 2010.

    Hassan Al Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Golf Association, said the addition of Rose to a field that already featured Stenson and Garcia, currently World No. 5, boded well for an all-star field in January.

    “Justin Rose is a true Ryder Cup hero and we welcome him back to the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters after his brilliant display for Europe, just like when he competed here two years ago. We were also delighted to see him win the US Open last year just a few months after he competed here in Doha,” Al Nuaimi said.

    “Justin is one of the true gentlemen in golf and always popular wherever he goes. He has spent most of the past three years in the top 10 and much of that in the top five, so we’re proud to welcome one of golf’s great players to a star-studded line-up.”

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