Spanish star Sergio Garcia will aim to become the first player to win back-to-back titles in Doha when the $2.5 million Qatar Masters begins at the wind-battered Doha Golf Club today.
The 35-year-old took the Mother of Pearl trophy last year following a thrilling playoff against Finn Mikko Ilonen, and the Spaniard made no secret of his ambition to do an encore in what is his first tournament of the year.
“I came close to winning a few times, so it was nice to get over the line last year,” said Garcia, who will play the first two rounds in an all-star group with Henrik Stenson and Ernie Els.
“I played really well on the last day to get into the playoff, then had to play really well all over again to beat Mikko.
“So I have some good memories and hopefully they can inspire me to have another successful week.
“I want to play as well as I can and put up a good defence of my title."
Garcia is playing in the tournament for the 10th time, having made his debut at the age of 19 in 1999.
From 2007 onwards, he has played in every edition of the event, which he considers one of his favourites.
“I’ve started my season in Qatar for the last few years, and I always enjoy coming back. I just feel very comfortable here,” Garcia added.
“The weather’s usually great. But it’s meant to warm up later in the week, so I’m looking forward to playing in my short sleeves with the sun on my back and hopefully a smile on my face.”
The Spaniard, however, will face a tough challenge from a host of stars, and acknowledges the obstacle that stand in the way of back-to-back titles.
“This year it’s a really strong field with players like Henrik (Stenson) and Justin (Rose), who have been among the world’s best players in recent years.
“They’ll obviously be among the players to watch out for. Henrik has won the title before and both guys finished last year really well, while there are many other players who can win this tournament.”
Meanwhile, Justin Rose said he was trying to get his “head around” the Doha Golf Club.
The Englishman finished the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship seven shots off winner Gary Stal, but a strong 65 in the final round has added to his confidence.
“A bogey-free 65 is something that you can definitely get a bit of confidence from. Yeah, looking forward to taking that momentum into this week,” Rose said.
The conditions at the Doha Golf Club – with its thick rough, narrow fairways and the possibility of strong winds – will be tough and Rose said: “Yeah, looking forward to trying to get my head around this golf course. It’s not one that’s been the kindest to me and been figuring it out the last couple of days.
“It’s been more so getting my lines hopefully off the tee, and I feel like there’s a lot of run-outs and carries, and really, we need to pick good lines on.”
