It was strange scenario but a pleasing task for both Andy Coltart, the inaugural 1998 Qatar Masters champion, and Paul Lawrie, winner of the event a year later in 1999.

Of course, Coltart is now working for SKY Sports and had the task of interviewing his fellow countryman after Lawrie, who also captured the 2012 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, posted an impressive five under par 67.

However there was a near minute’s delay as SKY crossed to Coltart during which time the two Scots had a bit of fun chatting.

“It was a bit strange being interviewed by a fellow Qatar Masters winner but then Andy’s doing a great job working with SKY,” said Lawrie.

Andy Coltart, the 1998 inaugural champion, and Paul Lawrie, the second winner in 1999 of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, having some fun ahead of a SKY interview. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Lawrie didn’t drop a shot in a round of five birdies, three over the outward nine and two coming home.

And now he is looking to become the first three-time winner in Doha.

“It’s obviously nice to come back to places that you’ve won,” he said.

“You’ll know that as well as I do.  You get a good feeling when you drive in, and the fact that you’ve won the tournament twice obviously helps you a bit more.  I’ll just take it one day at a time and try and hole some putts tomorrow and Saturday and Sunday and see where we are.

“All the things I’m decent at is what you need here.  I’m in control of my ball when it’s windy quite well.  I knock the ball down, no problem; take a lot of distance off of shots quite well.  I’m just kind of setting myself up for a bit of a fall here.

“I enjoy it.  I love the course, I like the wind and I normally kind of putt okay around here.  It sets up well for me so hopefully the rest of the week’s the same.”