From left: Qatar Golf Association Board member Mohamed Faisal Al Naimi, EGM of Marketing and CB Real Estate Hussein Al Abdullah, QGA General Secretary Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, Qatar Golf Association President Hamad Al Mana, DP World Tour’s Head of Middle East Operations Tom Phillips, DP World Tour's Senior Tournament Director Michael Erickson and QGA Technical Expert Mike Shoueiry during a press conference held at DGC yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: The picturesque Doha Golf Club (DGC) will come to life again when the 28th edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2025 tees off as the fourth event in the DP World Tour’s ‘International Swing’ tomorrow.
With a whopping $2.5m prize purse up for grabs, along with 3,500 Race to Dubai points and 1,000 Ryder Cup points, the February 6-9 tournament marks the DP World Tour’s final Middle Eastern stop before the playoffs resume in November.
Organised by the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), DGC and title sponsor Commercial Bank, the Qatar Masters will welcome a host of global stars along with many who will be out to challenge them.
Commenting ahead of the 28th edition of the prestigious event, Qatar Golf Association President Hamad Al Mana highlighted the significance of this year's tournament.
“As Qatar continues to expand its presence in the sporting industry, it is establishing itself as a premier destination for global events. Adhering to the Nation’s inspiring ambition, Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has become an essential annual event in our sporting calendar. Marking the 28th edition, this tournament has reached a significant milestone, reflecting its enduring legacy. I would like to thank Qatar Olympic Committee for their unwavering support over the years in making this tournament a resounding success.”
Hussein Al Abdullah, EGM of Marketing and Commercial Bank Real Estate commented: “For us, golf is more than just a game. It is a beautiful sport that combines passion, precision, and strategy – all of which are values that Commercial Bank upholds and lives by. As we witness yet another incredible golf tournament, we are reminded by the wise leadership of our State and its inspiring ambition to position Qatar as a prominent figure in the sports field. Commercial Bank is honoured to be part of the journey that drives this vision forward. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Doha Golf Club for hosting the tournament on the grounds of its picturesque facility.”
The tournament’s global broadcast reach spans to over five million households, and Al Abdulla noted its role in enhancing Commercial Bank’s international brand recognition.
“This event connects us with audiences worldwide, reflecting our commitment to excellence,” he said.
Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer of Qatar Airways Group, said in a statement that the tournament reinforced the nation’s reputation as a global hub for sports and tourism.
"We feel honoured to continue supporting an event that brings together global talent and celebrates the unifying spirit of sport. This year, we are proud to play a role in further enhancing the tournament’s legacy alongside our partners, solidifying Qatar’s position as a global hub for sports and tourism. Sports has a unique power of bringing people together, aligning with our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for all our customers worldwide,” Musleh stated.
DP World Tour's Senior Tournament Director Michael Erickson lauded the Doha Golf Club’s condition as "immaculate", calling it “the best-prepared course in DP World Tour history.”
Despite forecasted winds tomorrow and Friday, Erickson predicted a competitive edge, predicting a winning score of 14 under par.
His top picks included Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult and England’s Jordan Smith.
Qatar Golf Association Board member Mohamed Faisal Al Naimi pointed out that Qatar Masters is one of the important tournaments in the region, aiming to drive the development of golf and promote it in Qatar, especially as it has gained the attention of a segment of young people.
Al Naimi revealed that the championship will see the participation of national team member, Saleh Al Kaabi, alongside his teammate Daniil Sokolov, who received invitations to join and compete, as the tournament is dedicated to professional players.
Tom Phillips, DP World Tour’s Head of Middle East Operations, highlighted the significance of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) events, particularly Qatar’s 28-year tournament legacy.
“Few events sustain such longevity,” he remarked, thanking sponsors, the QGA, and Doha Golf Club staff for their pivotal roles.
"This is the 28th edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. It's been on our schedule every year since 1998 and that is an incredible achievement,"Phillips said.
"There are not many tournaments that last so long on our schedule so if I could just take this opportunity to thank everyone who's really made that possible. The Qatar Golf Association, our partners throughout all that time. So a big thank you to Hamad, to (QGA General Secretary) Fahad Al Naimi , to Mike, to Mohamed Faisal and all the team at the Golf Association who make it possible," he added.
