Qatar Masters Winner

A return to Doha is always a welcome one for punters as we have a host of figures to go back on dating all the way back to the 90s. The 2020 and 2021 editions were moved to Education City and although relevant for location form can be crossed out somewhat when looking at previous results.

This in effect is a coastal layout that has been effected by wind plenty of times. Therefore it is no surprise to see the list of champions we have here. In 2018 a fine links exponent in Eddie Pepperell joined the likes of Branden Grace, Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott and Ernie Els in winning this event. It really is a long list of players who have a great record on links courses.

Qatar Masters Tips | Niall Lyons Golf Betting Tips

That is where to focus primarily but it must be said the wind doesn't play too much a factor here this week with the forecast currently suggesting it doesn't get much more above 10mph all week. The course has historically favoured longer hitters here and that is no surprise as the course stretches towards 7500 yards.

The most recent renewals haven't quite featured the same driver heavy stats as previous however and things may be changing a little. Playing privileges for next year on tour are up for grabs here as this is the last full event on the DPWT this season. It is make or break time for many and that adds an extra few storylines that will play out over the weekend. 

Robert MacIntyre at 28/1 (Eight Places)

When looking to golfers in this field for the same type of form on links courses like those mentioned above there aren't many names that stand out. However, in a relatively short career to date Robert MacIntyre has managed a 6th and 8th place at two Open Championships and he fits the bill for my top selection this week. MacIntyre had a tremendous Ryder Cup, one that he could only have dreamed of, especially coming in with a fair degree of pressure to perform as he looked one of the weakest on paper.

He thrived in the environment and it will no doubt prove fruitful in terms of winning bigger Championships in the years to come. Scrambling has often been a big part of the equation here in Doha and the Scot has a really deft touch around the greens. It's his iron play that will need to improve slightly if he is to win this week but he looks more than capable in these conditions.

Runner up to McIlroy in Scotland in July further boosts his links profile for an event such as this and having gone off no bigger than 33/1 in the Dunhill Links a few weeks ago with Fitzpatrick and Fleetwood heading the market, the 28/1 on offer this week is more than enough.

2.5pts each-way R.MacIntyre 28/1 (1/5 8) Bet365 8 place market, Sky Bet

Callum Shinkwin at 80/1 (Eight Places)

Callum Shinkwin produced eye catching long game performances at Wentworth and Le Golf National but has since failed to back those efforts up. Two made cuts since have been no disaster and that's now a run of five weekends on the trot he has made.

His credentials for a test such as this are really good paper having been 2nd to Ryan Fox in the Dunhill Links last year and prior to that being beaten in a playoff at Dundonald by Rafa Cabrera Bello. Two top 20s in Portugal and a top 20 here in Doha back in 2018 suggest he is more than equipped to handle this test.

My main reason for including him in the staking plan is that we backed him a few weeks ago at the Dunhill Links at 80/1, a field that included three of the Ryder Cup winning stars, two of them being Fitzpatrick and Fleetwood.

This time around we have Jordan Smith and Thorbjorn Olesen competing for the jolly tag around the 20/1 mark yet Shinkwin has remained at 80/1 despite not doing a whole lot wrong since. His long game would need to improve compared to the most recent weeks but he has a great CV for this layout and 80/1 eight places looks worth chancing again.

1pt each-way C.Shinkwin 80/1 (1/5 8) Bet365 8 place market, Sky Bet

Zander Lombard at 70/1 (Eight Places)

Zander Lombard is still searching for his first victory on tour but without doubt this has been his closest season to date with three runner up finishes coming in the Ras Al Khaimah Championship, Jonsson Workwear Open and then a couple of weeks ago in the Open De Espana. Not even a poor long game display stopped him in his tracks last week in Andalucia has he made up with those shortcomings by putting tremendously well once again.

Lombard sits 31st in the Race to Dubai rankings, a lofty position for him but he can play with freedom now and Doha should suit given the current shape of his game. It is sods law that the one week he produced an effort good enough with the irons to win that it all fell apart on the greens. The putter has been red hot since that week in France and with form shown on coastal layouts before this represents a fair opportunity for him to finally land that elusive victory.

1pt each-way Z.Lombard 70/1 (1/5 8) Bet365 8 place market

Eddie Pepperell at 70/1 (Eight Places)

With driving accuracy not being so predominant in the stats these last couple of renewals here I'm prepared to give Eddie Pepperell another chance. The Englishman has secured his card for next year and his activity on his social media channels suggest he is delighted to get another crack next season. Pepperell's career is certainly a bit of a roller coaster but with the freedom of having secured his playing privileges for next year he could be freed up to win for the second time on this golf course.

Adam Scott, Paul Lawrie and Branden Grace have all achieved two victories here in Doha and Pepperell can not be ruled out to do the same. It will all depend on his iron play, which wasn't up to scratch last week in Andalucia but his touch on and around the greens was perfect.

Generally speaking his irons have been in decent shape these last couple of months and if he can produce similar to the weeks in Prague and Crans then he would have a big chance here. There is a difference of opinion on price with anything from 45/1 to 70/1 available but that top price looks too good to turn down.

1pt each-way E.Pepperell  70/1 (1/5 8) Bet365 8 place market

Justin Walters at 250/1 (Eight Places)

Justin Walters has a history of producing the goods when he needs to and I'm happy to get involved at 250/1 in Qatar. Sitting at 135th in the DPWT rankings the South African needs a special week to gain his card for next season but having done it twice in spectacular fashion before he can not be underestimated here.

Back in 2013 shortly after the death of his Mother he holed a 50 footer across the green at Dom Pedro in Vilamoura to secure his card for the following year. His celebration was one of the best we've seen and is a reminder of just what this means to players such as Walters.

 

Heading to Portugal in 2019 he was 121st in the DPWT rankings then produced the goods once again almost winning the event but finishing runner up to loft himself to 79th in the rankings. The South African was 86th after round one last year but battled his way to a tie for 12th after four rounds.

Back in 2019 he finished 27th but notably led after round one with a round of 67. Portugal and Doha form often go hand in hand so I'm more than happy to get on board and pay to see if he can be the hero once again.

0.75pt each-way J.Walters 250/1 (1/5 8) Bet365 8 place market, Sky Bet, WilliamHill