Patrick Reed and Daniel Hillier have emerged as the early pace-setters at the Qatar Masters, both carding opening rounds of seven-under-par 65 at the Doha Golf Club to share the first-round lead.
The American Reed, a former Masters champion, and New Zealand’s Hillier navigated the challenging desert layout with precision on the opening day of the DP World Tour event in Qatar’s capital.
Both players capitalised on scoring conditions at the Peter Harradine-designed course, which has been the tournament’s home since the Qatar Masters joined the European Tour schedule in 1998. The 27-hole desert facility provides a stern test for the international field, particularly with its strategic bunkering and challenging green complexes.
Perfect Start in Desert Conditions
Reed’s opening round represents a strong start to his 2024 campaign, as the experienced campaigner looks to add another DP World Tour victory to his resume. The 34-year-old has proven his ability to perform on golf’s biggest stages throughout his career, including his memorable 2018 Masters triumph.
Hillier, meanwhile, continues to establish himself as a consistent performer on the DP World Tour. The New Zealander’s bogey-free round showcased the kind of steady play that has become his trademark in recent seasons.
Championship Heating Up
With three rounds remaining at the Doha Golf Club, the Qatar Masters appears set for an exciting weekend. The tournament has historically attracted strong international fields, with players drawn to both the challenging course conditions and the event’s position early in the DP World Tour season.
The shared lead sets up an intriguing battle as players look to position themselves for weekend contention in one of the tour’s established Middle Eastern events.