Qatar Golf Association (QGA) is hoping the 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters Golf will give a much-needed boost to the country’s young national golfers.

The event will be staged at Doha Golf Club from January 22 to 25, 2009.

The $2.5 million tournament - which will see the first Gulf appearances of US stars Boo Weekley and Brandt Snedeker - is being staged by QGA in association with the Qatar Olympic Committee and title sponsor Commercialbank. The event is being presented by Dolphin Energy.

QGA president Hassan Al Nuami firmly believes showcasing the world’s best players can only help the development of Qatar’s fledgling golfers.

“The Qatar National Golf Team consists of young players and being exposed to the world’s best professional golfers at Doha Golf Club can only benefit their golfing education,” he said.

“The special pre-tournament clinics also allow them to get hands-on advice from Major winners, Ryder Cup stars and international golfers of the highest quality.

“Add in the fact that many of these youngsters compete in teams with the stars during the Commercialbank Qatar Masters Rolex Pro-Am – held at Doha Golf Club in championship conditions – and you can see how these opportunities can improve the technical side of our national golfers.”

Al Nuami was also quick to praise the efforts of everyone concerned in raising the profile of Qatar as a key overseas venue on the European Tour calendar.

Al Nuami also expects to see record numbers through the gates at Doha Golf Club.

“As well as well-equipped lounges for sponsors and senior guests, new spectator stands have been added to cover various areas of the course as we believe numbers will be up on 2008,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service