Qatar Airways named official sponsor of Qatar Masters

As official airline of the prestigious tournament with prize money totalling US$1.5m, Qatar Airways will fly in players, their wives, caddies and spectators for what promises to be one of the highlights of Qatar's sporting calendar.

South Africa's Ernie Els, the world number three, will be heading the field of players, which includes the defending Qatar Masters 2004 champion Joakkim Haeggman.

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev will be among a host of amateurs taking on professionals in the Pro-Am tournament on March 9 as a pre-cursor to the main professional tournament starting a day later.

The Qatar Masters has been a regular feature on the European schedule since the inaugural event in 1998. But for the first time this year, the Qatar Masters will also feature players from the Asian circuit.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted that the airline was once again associated with such a prestigious tournament.

"We have been partners of the Qatar Masters for several years and our relationship has grown from strength to strength," he said.

"To see some of the world's leading players here shows the level of commitment that the State of Qatar has in hosting key sporting events."

The main tournament will feature 144 players vying for the first prize of US$250,000, while the Pro-Am event will see 40 professionals and 80 amateur players taking part.

Qatar Golf Association President and Chairman of the Organising Committee Hassan al-Nuaimi welcomed Qatar Airways' participation in the event.

"Qatar Airways has historically been a supporter of this wonderful event and we are pleased to see they will be part of the Qatar Masters once again," he said, adding: "We thank Qatar Airways for being the official airline and helping put this sporting event on the global map."