: ’s Eagle Soars in Fierce Playoff

With Qatar’s surefire standing as the region’s sports capital, it was only natural for the State to bring in the best of the golfing world once again for the 16th Commercial Bank tournament. had been bustling with the news; stars and rising pros facing off on one of the region’s most infamous courses. And the action-packed 2013 tournament did not disappoint, prompting experts and amateurs alike to dig deeper into past plays and admire the new winner.

First played in 1998, the tournament has since been drawing stars in a lineup that has been keeping fans eager to come back each year and watch their favorite players deliver the most impressive strokes only a few feet away from their seats. The likes of Rory McIlroy, Jose Maria Olazabal, and have all planned their moves with determination from the on the Doha ’s 7,374-yard, 18-hole championship course.

Evolving into a principal early-season event of the European tour, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has featured up-and-comers along with established champions competing for top ranking points. Last year, Scottish 1999 Open Championship winner shot a terrific final-day 65 taking home the Mother of Pearl Trophy for the second time. This year, also in brilliant fashion, towering Englishman grabbed his maiden European tour victory with a closing eagle.

The minutes leading to the win were unforgettable; spectators held their breath amid pin-drop silence in anticipation of the defining moment. There were $2.5 million up for grabs, but six-foot five-inch Bristol-born Wood’s facial expressions and grip showed that much more was on his mind. Eyeing a long-awaited title after 19 top-10 finishes on The European Tour, Wood struck a six- sinking the 12-foot eagle putt. A roar waved through the crowds as the golf giant threw two fist-pumps into the air in celebration.

“I couldn’t really feel my hands at the time. It was one chance and I knew that was all I was going to get. You don’t get many if you’re in a playoff,” said Wood, who, although won his first pro title at the Thailand Open last August, still remembered how he lost the 2010 BMW PGA Championship with a closing 77 and the 2011 Majorca Open with a 76 after leading by four. “It feels good. Blimey, I’ve seen a few mates picking up trophies and I’ve been waiting patiently for my time.”

Only 25 years old, Wood had been up against some of the golfing world’s biggest names. Coming to the -five last hole behind South African and Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who came 14th at the World Golf Ranking on January’s 4th week, the had been moved over 60 yards. “I knew it was going to be hard no matter how I played," the soft-spoken golfer said. "Winning on the European Tour is not easy."

His words echoed the same sentiment which had led up to the excitement towards this year’s tournament. Fans had been avidly awaiting Spanish legend Garcia’s return. Chris Myers, Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Tournament Manager, spoke about the golfing architect who had also designed a course in the Middle East: “As well as being a superb golfer, he is also a charming young man who took time out from last season’s tournament to host a clinic for many of our junior golfers in Qatar.” Along with Garcia, German had shined in the second round. The former world No. 1-ranked golfer and 10-time European Tour winner, had three pride-worthy wins in Abu Dhabi out of the six years in which he had played. When asked about expectations in adding to his Middle East triumphs, the winner of the 2010 PGA Championship affirmed: “To win, that is what I’m here for,” he said, despite expressing concerns over discomfort with the greens.

In the third round Wood became an overnight leader by three, closed with a 69 for an 18-under- par total of 270, one stroke ahead of Garcia (66) and Coetzee (65). With an aggressive approach reminiscent of a closely-named superstar, he admitted 14-time Major winner was an inspiration. “Before I hit the approach, I remember watching Tiger hit a shot at a tournament a few years, his attitude was - I’m going to win this tournament whatever happens,” Wood said.

“I had that in the back of my mind, to just let my swing go and no matter how it feels, trust the swing, commit to it and I hit a really good shot there. I didn't know the situation before that and only looked at the leaderboard for the first time before the putt at the last.” Wood’s winning shot may have lasted only a few seconds, but it will continue to inspire as the latest in a list of tournaments captivating audiences with the world’s golf masters in Qatar.