Weather the key to success, says Quirós Tuesday, 31 January 2012 00:24

By Armstrong vas

Doha: Controlling the ball in windy conditions will be the key to success at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters golf tournament - which tees off at the Doha Golf Club (DGC) on February 2 - says Spanish golfer Álvaro Quirós (pictured).

The Atletico Madrid football fan who has enjoyed consistent success at the DGC golf course is seeking to clinch his second title in Qatar having won in 2009. The Spaniard, who has won seven professional titles till date, finished as runners-up in the last two editions.

Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and Robert Karlsson of Sweden won the 2010 and 2011 editions of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

Qatar has been a happy hunting ground for Quirós and the 29-year-old was candid enough to admit that the $2.5m European Tour event is one of his favourites.

“I participate most of the time in Europe and 6-7 tournaments in USA. But, one of my favourite tournaments are in the Middle East, especially Qatar. Very pleased to come here (Qatar) everything works here for me. There are a lot of things common, good weather. I will say perfect weather conditions. Windy condition, I feel confident playing in the windy conditions. And also at the same time you guys have always been great. You make me feel comfortable in a country which is not my home. And, the golf course suits me, makes me comfortable.”

Quirros finished the season last year by winning the Dubai World Championship aims to bag his first tile of the season in Qatar.

“I will love to be in the top position. Or at least fighting for victory or to be in a position of strengthen on Sunday, said the 2007 Alfred Dunhill Championship and 2008 Portugal Masters winner.

This year’s competition will be tough said Quirros. Among the top golfers who will compete on the 7,400 yards course include 2010 champion Karlsson, former Major winner John Daly and the ever popular Miguel Angel Jimenez. Former Masters winner Fred Couples will make his debut at a ripe age of 52 in Doha.

Organised by the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and title sponsor Commercial Bank of Qatar, the event continues to attract the biggest name in the game.

The line-up also includes World Number 2 Lee Westwood, World Number 10 Jason Day, TPC Champion KJ Choi and a host of Major winners including Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell.

“Qatar has over the few years been able to attract a great field of players. So it is a tough field, which is what I like about the tournament, the field is strong enough. The prize money is not big but the rankings points we get is big enough,” now coached by former Ryder Cup player and four-time European Tour Champion José Riverso, whom Quirros credits with having the strongest influence on his career performance to date.

Quirós, who is the longest hitter on the European Tour is also referred as Power Hitter, said the long course at the DGC will suite his style of play.

“I have been practicing today all morning, tough, the long course helps me, longer the better for me. The wind blows all the time in Qatar, there is no calm. So controlling the ball in windy conditions is important in the windy conditions at the Doha Golf Course. “

Quirós who was introduced to the game at the age of nine by his father said he is slowly getting into the groove into the new season after a long layoff.

“Last week was my first tournament after seven weeks, bit rusty, but little by little I am getting into rhythm and a good game, expecting the best for this week,” Quiros said, who turned professional in 2004.

Quiros important victories came in the 2010 Spanish Open, and in the 2011 Omega Dubai Desert Classic – his fifth European Tour title -which featured a memorable hole-in-one during the final round.

The golfer has become widely appreciated for his relaxed and natural attitude on and off the golf course. His sports philosophy, forged through experiences that include many successes but also unexpected setbacks and injuries,

“One of my goals in life is to enjoy every moment even when things are not easy. I naturally wish to be successful in my job and to have good people around me.”

“I would like to be remembered as a long-hitting champion with many titles, but most of all as a good and fair human being,” he added. 

The Peninsula

| More...