Qatargas celebrates ten years of Commercialbank Qatar Masters

And with the tournament raising the bar in terms of prize-money, world ranked players and tournament infrastructure, it will be a fitting occasion for a company that has played a key role in that ongoing development.

'Qatargas has been involved with the Qatar Masters since day one and we are delighted with the changes that are taking place under the title sponsorship of Commercialbank,' said Mr. Faisal Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatargas

'Today, the Commercialbank Qatar Masters is one of the key overseas tournaments on the calendar of both the European and Asian Tours. A great deal of credit for the ongoing success of the event is down to the sponsors and the Qatar Golf Association - at Qatargas we are proud to have been a supporter for every one of the previous nine years and we look forward to the tenth being the best yet.'

While world golfing stars such as defending champion Henrik Stenson, former winner Ernie Els and big guns Retief Goosen, Chris DiMarco, Stuart Appleby and Michael Campbell may not have heard of golf in Qatar a decade ago, this year they will find a tournament boasting a winner's cheque for $366,660, a golf course in immaculate condition and hospitality facilities as good as any on the Tours.

'When we decided to raise the level of this tournament, we knew it wouldn't be easy,' said Commercialbank Group CEO Andrew Stevens.

'It takes a lot of time and investment from us as title sponsors but it also requires the input and support of companies without whom the event would not be here today. Qatargas is, without question, one of those golfing pioneers and we thank and recognize them for their unrivalled support.'

Following the opening leg of the 'Desert Swing' in Abu Dhabi, many of the players will head to Doha to get to grips with the 7,355-yard Doha Golf Club -one of the longest on either Tour - while for Ernie Els it will be his first tournament of the calendar year following his victory in his native South Africa in December.

Teeing off on Thursday (January 25), the Commercialbank Qatar Masters will feature 120 leading professional players vying for a title that has been won by nine different players since it was first contested in 1998.