Paul Lawrie arrived in Doha looking to carve out another slice of golfing history and become the first to deposit three Commercial Bank Qatar Masters victories.

Lawrie followed fellow Scot Andy Coltart in 1999 in capturing the second Qatar title before the Aberdonian used the victory in July that year to lift the Claret Jug at Carnoustie.

Then in 2012, Lawrie became the first of now three players to win the Qatar Masters title for a second occasion.

He said: “Both wins were different.

Scots Andrew Coltart and Paul Lawrie win the3 first two Qatar Masters titles. Photo – Bernie McGuire – www.golfbytourmiss.com

“In 1999, I had an operation in the winter of 1998, and just played terribly the week before in Dubai and missing the cut.

“So I came here early, did a pile of practice and a pile of work. I had also recently joined up with Adam Hunter as my coach, so it was a huge win for us two. This win gave me the confidence for what happened at Carnoustie in the summer.

“In 2012, I was in the middle of an unbelievable run of success and good weeks.

“I’ve always enjoyed the course and the firmness of it. You have to shape the ball a little more than most courses.

“You have to be in control of your ball flight when the wind picks up. If you’re not in control and hitting little knock-down shots and hold-off shots, you’re going to be in trouble.

“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.”

Paul Lawrie looking to bank a third Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and qualify for a third Ryder Cup.

Lawrie also is returning to the event for a first occasion since missing the cut in 2017 and returns to Doha with his eldest son, Craig as caddy.

Craig was just three years old when Lawrie won the 1999 Qatar title and caddied last week in Oman for his now 50-year old father in his first event of the new season.

He said: “Craig has caddied for me for a few weeks now and Michael, my youngest son, does it now and again.

“I enjoy having the boys out. I get on great with the two of them, I play a lot of golf with them when I’m not on Tour.

“They know my moods, which is an important thing.”

And partnering Lawrie over the opening two Qatar rounds will be the Paul Lawrie coached and ultra-talented fellow Aberdonian, Sam Locke.

Lawrie was instrumental in getting the 19-year old Stonehaven star an invitation into his first Tour event of 2019 and just a second since finishing the ‘Low Amateur’ and also leading Scot at last year’s Open at Carnoustie.

Locke, and speaking in the Evening Express, said: “I am so thankful for the opportunity to play.

“I’ve been in Morocco for a couple of weeks playing events over there, which was nice – to get back into playing competitively again.

“When I was out there I received the news I’d be playing this week and it was brilliant.

“I had some rusty spells in Morocco but there were a lot of good moments as I played some nice stuff too.

“So, I will be focusing on the positives from the trip and moving forward. My game was starting to feel better in my practise sessions at home so I will hopefully have a good week.

“I’ve not spoken to Paul a whole lot about it but I’m sure he will help me out – after all, he’s won there twice.  Obviously, making the cut is a goal for me but I also want to finish as high up the leader-board as I can.

“I always try to do the best I can every day and we’ll see where that places me.

“I know my game has improved a lot since Carnoustie last year. I’m also learning to score without an A-game, which is what you have to do to be successful in this sport.

“it’s going to be a constant learning process throughout my career.

“I can’t wait to get out there and compete. It’s a great chance for me to go and kick-start my season with a good result.”

Lawrie and Locke are among another big contingent of 11 Scots competing in the Qatar capital.