Scot Richie Ramsay reckons a rework of the greens and the forecasted conditions are ripe for a hopeful fifth Scottish-born winner of the CB Qatar Masters in Doha.
Ramsay, 40, superbly muscled his way into contention on day two to be six-under in a five-hole run on route to an eventual three-under 69 for a one-under tally in continuing warm but windy conditions in the Qatar capital.
Aussie Haydn Barron birdied the closing three holes on the scorecard for a second day running in a second day 67 for the World No. 807 to lead by two shots at nine-under.
Former champ Ewen Ferguson heads four of six Scots to make the weekend cut adding a 71 to be at three under and two clear of Ramsay, Stevie Gallacher (73) and Scott Jamieson (71).
CONDITIONS RIPE ..
Reckons @RamsayGolf for a 5⃣th born winner @CBQatarMasters @DohaGolfClub
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Ramsay is making a hopeful lucky 13th appearance in the Qatar event since his debut in 2010, and with his best result being a share of sixth six years ago.
He capped his round with birdies at his seventh and ninth holes ahead of holing a 40-foot curling putt for an eagle ‘3’ at his 10th hole and the first on the scorecard before a birdie at the next with his only dropped shots were at 12 and 15.
However, the Renaissance Club attached Scot reckons the reworking of the greens and continued windy conditions over the weekend could play into his hands.
Ramsay said: “The golf course is playing really well and the club deserves a lot of credit in the way they’ve changed the greens and expanded the surfaces, as they’re excellent.
“I was pleased to post a decent score today in what was a good fightback from my opening round.
“The thing is also if you look at the history of this event and it’s no coincidence the number of Scottish-born winners as the course tends to play quite firm here, and if the wind does get up it can be one of the windiest places we play on the Tour.
“And I think guys who play regularly in those conditions do excel”.
Scottish winners include Andrew Coltart (1998), Paul Lawrie (1999 and 2012) and Ferguson (2022)
MEANTIME ….
Blairgowrie’s Gregor Graham is celebrating becoming the fifth Scot in the past 13 years to capture the South African Amateur title in Joburg.
Graham, 20, and the elder brother of last year’s GB & I Walker Cup star Connor, defeated South African Jordan Burnand 4 & 2 in the 36-hole final.
Graham joins fellow Scots Michael Stewart (2011), Brian Soutar (2012), Daniel Young (2015) and Craig Ross (2016) as winners in the modern era of the prestigious title.
