Retief Goosen took a big step towards re-discovering the form he lost in 2006 with a clinical seven-under-par 65 in the first round of the $2,2-million Qatar Masters on Thursday.
The South African, who went without a single title last year, forcing him to hire a coach for the first time in nine years, held his own in the sometimes blustery conditions in the afternoon to take a one-shot lead over Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiminez and Aussie Nick O’Hern, who shot both shot 66.
Rising Indian Shiv Kapur was a further shot behind in third place after a fine 67 put him in contention to become the first Asian to win the tournament in its 10-year history.
England’s Nick Dougherty, Australia’s Richard Green, American Edward Michaels and defending champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden all shot 68. ”I am very happy with the start I have had this year,” said dual US Open winner Goosen.
”But my game is still not as good as it should be and I am still working on a few things,” he added.
Goosen, who along with compatriot Ernie Els are the top attractions in Doha, said it would take same time for him to get back to his best. ”I am still not a 100% as far as my swing is concerned because I am sorting out a few minor things like my posture. It will take some time.”
Goosen had an early birdie on the second hole only to drop a shot on the next hole, the par-3 third, but played steadily after that, finishing with four birdies on the back nine.
”Unfortunately, I couldn’t make a birdie on the 18th, but I am playing well and I am pretty pleased with that especially because I putted well.”
Tour veteran Jiminez shot a steady six-under-par 66 in perfect morning conditions to put himself in contention for Sunday’s big prize.
Spain’s 13-time European tour winner took advantage of calm conditions at the Doha Golf Club and blasted an eagle along the way on the par-4 16th to signal his intent in a star-studded field assembled here for the co-sanctioned event.
Jiminez attacked the pin with his driver, landing on the edge of the green, and rolled in an 8m putt, adding to the four birdies he had picked up on the first, fourth, 12th and 13th holes.
”Yeah, I was very solid today [Thursday] from tee to green,” said Jiminez, who finished joint second with Swede Peter Hanson in Abu Dhabi.
”I have been using the same putter I used in Abu Dhabi. It worked well. The eagle was a beautiful putt, right in the middle.”
Kapur, the 24-year-old Indian tipped for a bright future by Fred Couples when they played together at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, credited his caddy and childhood friend Neeraj Sareen after shooting a five-under-par 67.
His score would have been much higher but for bogeys on the par-4 11th and 15th holes, but said that won’t be playing on his mind for too long.
”In the past I have been too hard on myself, but now I have learnt to keep my cool,” said Kapur, the Asian Games gold medallist in 2002.
”Now, if I don’t do well in a tournament I make it a point to get it out of my system immediately so that I can start with a fresh outlook on Monday.”
Kapur, who was in contention for the title in Abu Dhabi only to ruin his chances with a series of bad putts on the final day on which he shot three over, said it was Sareen’s advice that helped him putt better on Thursday.
”Neeraj told me I was taking a long time with my putts and that I shouldn’t be thinking too much on the greens,” said Kapur.
”He said I need to go there and just putt like I was doing when I was 10 years old and that helped.”
Stenson also made his intention clear to become the first player to win the event two years in a row by carding a 68, two bogeys somewhat spoiling the show for him.
World number five and 2005 champion Ernie Els was among 10 players, including India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, who shot a 69. — AFP
