Dubai based Scot Clarke Lutton created not only a rare European Tour first but a Doha first in posting a four under par 68 on day one of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha.
Lutton, 32 moved with his family from Aberdeen to the Middle East when he was just 13 years of age and was afforded an invitation in the event following last October’s MENA (Middle East & North African) Golf Citizen Classic at the Els Club in Dubai.
Scot Clarke Lutton posts a four under par 68.
Lutton had lived for a long time in Doha but in recent years has been living in Dubai and, in fact, is a member at the Els Club.
However Lutton still has plenty of friend at the Doha Golf Club where he was crowed 2008 Club Champion.
“It was here in Doha I first began playing golf, and I played golf here for 11 years as my father was in the business of recruiting staff in the oil and natural gas business,” he said.
The Doiha Golf Club list of ‘Club Champions’.
“I’ve got to know one of the directors of the club who organise this tournament really well and he pulled a few strings for me.
“It was November I found out I was playing this week so it’s been an anxious wait to today and given I grew up here, and I’ve watched this tournament for some many years.
“As well, I’ve been playing on the MENA Tour the last couple of years and just enjoy being out here in this part of the world.
“For me, the dream would be playing week-in and week-out but until that happens I will this year concentrate on the secondary Asian Tour where I have status and we will see how that goes and progresses.”
Stephen Gallacher’s decision to change to the new TaylorMade ‘M2’ driver paid dividends though it was a bunker shot for a four-feet birdie at the last that proved the highlight of his round of a level par 72.
“It’s always a nice way to finish with a birdie,” he said.
“I am still not playing as good as I would like as I do play well time of year, and you only have to look at my Dubai Desert Classic winning record.
“It’s been my driving that has let me down, so I put this new M2 driver in the bag and drove it a bit better so we will see how it goes over the week.”
