Paul Lawrie holds fond memories of the Qatar Masters and is hoping to claim his third title in Doha this week.
The Scot previously won the tournament in 1999 and 2012, with his first success coming just a few months before he claimed his maiden major title at the Open Championship.
The 50-year-old admits the victories at Doha Golf Club were contrasting and he is looking forward to the challenge of becoming the first man to win the event on three occasions.
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“Both wins were different,” Lawrie told the European Tour website. “In 1999, I had an operation in the winter of 1998, played terribly the week before.
“In 2012, I was in the middle of an unbelievable run of success and good weeks.” Lawrie made his first appearance on the European Tour in nearly a year at last week’s Oman Open following a foot injury.
The former world number 26 missed the cut at that event but he feels his experience of playing in Doha will stand him in good stead this week.
“I’ve always enjoyed the course and the firmness of it. You have to shape the ball a little more than most courses,” Lawrie added.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing golf like that. I was brought up playing golf on links courses in Scotland and knocking a five iron 120 yards has never been something I’ve struggled with, and you need that when the wind blows around here.”
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