Qatar has quickly become one of the leading destinations for hosting sporting events. In the short time that we've been here we've seen men and women's tennis tournaments come through Doha, the Asian Cup Soccer tournament lasted throughout most of January, a few cyclying events, and of course the highly renowned bid for the hosting of the 2022 World Cup which was just recently won.
To add to the list, this year marks the 11th anniversary of the Qatar Masters on the PGA European Tour hosted at the Doha Golf Club. This year drew 18 of the top 50 players, as well as a record attendance of spectators. The payout also topped the charts at $2.5 million in winnings.
Having been recently initiated into the golf world by the Taylors, I jumped at the opportunity to join Kris and Kate in earning free vouchers to the Doha Golf Club by volunteering in this years event. I've found that golf can be quite an expensive hobby, especially since I've topped out at golfing 4 times in one week. Not to worry, we've been exhausting the vouchers earned by Ken and Kate in the previous year, which has been a blessing for us. In total, we earned 11 vouchers at this years Masters which adds up to $2,400 of free golf. Thank God!
The day before the Masters starts, the pros team up with amateurs for the Pro Am golf tournament. Kate and I headed to the course to watch some golf, enjoy the gorgeous sunshine, and hopefully meet a few of the players. We were extremely successful in our endeavors and the photos below prove it!
Lee Westwood unfortunately didn't make the cut. But he's still holding the title for #1 golfer in the world. Lee was as kind as could be. It was refreshing to meet so many amazing golfers who were all so personable.
Kris and I working the scoreboard on the 9th hole.
This photo was taken the morning of the final day. You'd think that with today's technology we'd be working a digital scoreboard. It seems the European tour has maintainted the same equipment from the 80's. We literally picked out letters and updated this "Leader Board" one letter at a time. Of course we have no complaints since this volunteering effort is paying for our golf =) We had a great time and will be happy to volunteer next year (if we're still here)!
To add to the list, this year marks the 11th anniversary of the Qatar Masters on the PGA European Tour hosted at the Doha Golf Club. This year drew 18 of the top 50 players, as well as a record attendance of spectators. The payout also topped the charts at $2.5 million in winnings.
Having been recently initiated into the golf world by the Taylors, I jumped at the opportunity to join Kris and Kate in earning free vouchers to the Doha Golf Club by volunteering in this years event. I've found that golf can be quite an expensive hobby, especially since I've topped out at golfing 4 times in one week. Not to worry, we've been exhausting the vouchers earned by Ken and Kate in the previous year, which has been a blessing for us. In total, we earned 11 vouchers at this years Masters which adds up to $2,400 of free golf. Thank God!
The day before the Masters starts, the pros team up with amateurs for the Pro Am golf tournament. Kate and I headed to the course to watch some golf, enjoy the gorgeous sunshine, and hopefully meet a few of the players. We were extremely successful in our endeavors and the photos below prove it!
Last year's reigning champion of the Qatar Masters, Robert Karlsson. You can see that he towers over me at 6'5". From the short time around him he seemed to have a very kind and modest personality. He ended up in 6th place this year at -6.
Martin Kaymer is ranked #2 in the world at the young age of 26 years old. This German lad was a complete gentlemen and was happy to take a moment out of his time for a photo.
Darren Clark, the Irishman, took 14th place finishing at -4.
Alvaro Quiros finished 2nd in this years Qatar Masters. In 2009 he took the title. I quickly learned that most of the lady volunteers were rooting for this handsome fella!
Quiros' caddy insisted on jumping into the picture to give me a proper "Spanish Sandwich" as he called it. This group was by far one of the friendliest and most approachable.
Sergio Garcia was one of the kindest players that we met. He was very down to earth and seemed relaxed and casual on the course. I'm sure once the tournament actually started he was focused and down to business. He ended up taking the 9th spot at -5.
Retief Goosen was on the quiet and shy side. But thankfully he stopped for a quick photo.
I'm sure you're all familiar with this golf star! It's hard not to recognize John Daly and his signature clothing line. Although he's looking so trim these days I did take a double look. Unfortunately he wasn't playing his best golf this day, so it took a little more effort to track him down for the photo.
Ian Poulter ranked within the top 10 in the world.
Paul Casey, who had just won the Bahrain Masters the weekend before.
Fellow American, Steve Stricker made an appearance.
I couldn't resist this picture of Jimenez fans donning the highly recognized red ponytail.
Miguel Jimenez drew quite a crowd. I hopped in with the group on this photo since he had a line of fans waiting to meet him.
Just after this photo was taken, one of the amateurs (standing in the background to the left of me) shot a hole in one! What an amazing experience to conquer such a feat while playing with one of the top golfers in the world.
This is the 17th hole and the scene of the hole in one. During the Masters a hole in one would earn you that boat! For the pro am, the lucky guy won a watch.
This is the 17th hole and the scene of the hole in one. During the Masters a hole in one would earn you that boat! For the pro am, the lucky guy won a watch.
I spotted another American golfer,Todd Hamilton. He was a bit hesistant to huddle in close for a photo. Do I look like I'm going to bite?
Kris and I working the scoreboard on the 9th hole.
This photo was taken the morning of the final day. You'd think that with today's technology we'd be working a digital scoreboard. It seems the European tour has maintainted the same equipment from the 80's. We literally picked out letters and updated this "Leader Board" one letter at a time. Of course we have no complaints since this volunteering effort is paying for our golf =) We had a great time and will be happy to volunteer next year (if we're still here)!
