David Howell of England swept into the lead after the end of the first round of the Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club with a six under par 66, two strokes ahead of three players in Phil Golding, James Kingston and Paul McGinley.
Howell, who won the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999 but missed the cut in the same event last week, bounced back quickly from that disappointment by carding seven birdies, including four in a row around the turn.
Howell admitted: “As a former winner in Dubai is was disappointing to miss the cut, but things were much better today. I played nicely and holed a few good ones. I suppose the key to my score was making four birdies in a row from the 16th (his seventh). That gave me the momentum to shoot a good score.”
Golding and Kingston had been first out on Thursday before the sandstorms whipped up and curtailed most of the first day’s play. They resumed their rounds at first light on Friday and both finished on four under par.
Golding pointed out: “I think we were lucky being called off the course yesterday as it would have been extremely tough playing the last few holes in the conditions which prevailed at the time. The fact that the first two guys out are up among the leaders speaks for itself.”
McGinley, meanwhile, made hay in the sunshine after enjoying an unexpected day in bed to recover from pneumonia as the storms raged. However his problems didn’t end there. He cut his right hand while attempting to open a small jar of strawberry jam and breakfast and joked: “The jar shattered and there was a lot of blood but fortunately it isn’t too serious.” Despite his ailments, McGinley produced some top class golf and his round was slightly marred by a three putt on the final green. He said: “Apart from that three putt I putted very well. I feel I am getting stronger every day.”
Another Ryder Cup player, Phillip Price, also endured some problems on his way to shooting a one over par 73. He was suffering from a severe stomach upset and retreated to his hotel immediately after his first round as he will not play again until Saturday, along with the half of the field who had been first out on Thursday.
