Doha Golf Club
Rising British star Georgia Hall feels the 7,374-yard course at the Doha Golf Club (DGC) will pose plenty of challenges as players get ready for this week's inaugural Qatar Ladies Open.
Swedish star Anna Nordqvist, Lina Boqvist and Caroline Hedwall will join India's golf sensation Aditi Ashok and scores of others at the 18-hole all-grass championship course for the November 23 to 26 event at DGC.
Designed by course architect Peter Harradine in 1997, the DGC plays host to the Qatar Masters at the end of January every year.
"Chipping is going to be quite tough. It is important to have the approach shots closer to the holes," Hall said yesterday.
"This golf course is slightly short for me. You get some neutral par 5s as well. But I am playing well, I am putting well so let's see what happens," Hall added.
"I really like this kind of a layout. The course is long and that is a good thing. I have good chances to make my top-10 this week," the 20-year-old Tiger Woods fan said.
Aditi - who scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a Ladies European Tour title a little over a week ago - said DGC posed a real challenge to the players.
"I think it is a demanding course and with the wind it's going to play different every day. Obviously the course is not long for me personally," Aditi said yesterday.
The 18-year-old Indian said she could not wait to get going at the DGC from tomorrow.
"Obviously it is my first time here and I really like it. I played here last week. I had four top-10s along with the win in India last week," Aditi said.
"I have been playing well. I hope I can keep that momentum. It is a lot of fun and to have a tournament so close to home is good too. It's better for me since I don't have to travel that much," Aditi said with a smile.
"We already have events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And now we have one in Doha," she added.
Making the headlines last week was a rewarding experience for India's rising star.
"Obviously it was the first win of my career. That was great for me," Aditi said.
"I got a lot of media attention in India which was nice. Women's golf needs that. Game-wise first win is always the hardest and I got that done last week so the focus is on doing well here. I am obviously more confident going into this week," she added.
Moroccan player Maha Haddioui said that representing her country at the inaugural Qatar Ladies Open was a 'welcome' feeling.
"I am really excited to represent Morocco here. There is going to be another Moroccan player here in this field. Mostly I am really happy to represent the Arabs on the Ladies Tour event," Maha, 28, said.
"I have been playing well recently. I missed the cut in India a year after my previous miss. I am still feeling good about my game. I am looking at a top-10 this week," Maha said.
"I really like the course. I enjoy playing here," she added.
Hall said: "This is my first time here so I am really excited. The golf course is in impeccable condition so I am looking forward to playing over the weekend."
The Briton added: "I am playing really well at the moment. I am confident going into Wednesday's play. I have to stay patient and hopefully another win is around the corner."
