(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Former Doha Golf Club member Clarke Lutton enjoyed a stunning start to his European Tour debut yesterday by shooting a four-under-par 68 in the first round of the US$2.5 million Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Lutton, who hails from Aberdeen in Scotland, was 13 when his family moved to Qatar and joined Doha Golf Club, where the teenager first picked up the game. In 2008, he won the club championship and after a decade living in Doha, he moved to Dubai.
Last October, Lutton won his first MENA Golf Tour title with a wire-to-wire win at the Golf Citizen Classic at The Els Club, Dubai, where he's currently a member.
Lutton, 27, was later offered a sponsor's invite to the 19th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and again made the most of his local knowledge by finishing the day level with the likes of four-time Major winner Ernie Els.
"I grew up here, first swung a golf club here and watched this tournament for years. It has been my favourite tournament to watch, so it's good to finally play it," said Lutton, who has previously shot a 65 at Doha Golf Club.
"I only felt at ease on my second shot, because the first shot was a bit nerve racking, if I'm honest. After that, it was a good, steady round. I played pretty consistently out there and had lots of fun."
Lutton, who also plays on the Asian Development Tour, carded birdies on one, four, nine, 10 and 16, recording his only bogey at 14. He's now hoping he can maintain his momentum on day two.
"The wind can fairly blow around here so I was quite happy to get a good, solid round in. Hopefully it doesn't blow too hard tomorrow, but it's forecast to get stronger and stronger. We'll see how it goes," he said. "The dream is to be playing on the European Tour week in, week out."
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