Former Open Champion Louis Oostuizen has arrived for his first event of 2016 sporting a full-grown beard.
The South African, and current World No. 18, joins a host of European Tour players sporting plenty of facial hair including compatriot and defending Commercial Bank Qatar Masters champion, Branden Grace.
“The beard has been on for much of my off-season and it was only the other day I trimmed it for a photo shoot,” said Oosthuizen.
“We did a 4 x 4 trip in to the Namib Desert, about a 12-day trip. A lot of friends and family came on the trip and it was good fun. There was no cell phones as you’re in the middle of nowhere. Only satellite phones work, so it was perfect.
“But then the beard was getting too long and scraggy-looking so it needed a trim.
“I don’t know when I will shave it off. Maybe, if I get a trophy early on in the year, then I’ll shave it then.”
However while Oosthuizen is keeping the beard on he was commenting while wearing shorts.
Others in this week’s field sporting beards include 2009 Doha champion, Alvaro Quiros, Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, Dutchman Joost Luiten and Scotland’s Andrew McArthur.
And also spotted with a beard was Andrew Coltart winner of the inaugural Qatar Masters in 1998.
Louis Oosthuizen joins the ‘Whiskers Brigade’.
Branden Grace celebrates victory with girlfriend Nikie Coetzee. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)
The whiskers are starting to turn a little grey but then Thomas Bjorn still can cut it in grabbing a share of 11th last week in Abu Dhabi. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Alvaro Quiros, and 2012 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters winner, only has to go without shaving for a day and he’s got a full growth.
Joost Luiten arrived in Abu Dhabi last week with a full-blown beard. (Picture: Golffile | David Lloyd)
All photos usage must carry mandatory copyright credit (© Golffile | David Lloyd)
Shane Lowry is not competing in Doha this week and instead will be on the West Coast of the US commencing his first event as a full PGA Tour member.(Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie
