Mathiesen cruises to victory at Qatar Amateur Open

Doha, Qatar: When Doha-based Dane Mikkel Mathiesen completes his studies and fulfils his dream of becoming a pro in a few years, he would look back fondly on this day when he won himself a chance to play in his first professional event, the Qatar Masters next month.

Mathiesen was in a class of his own over the last three days at the Qatar Amateur Open, driving, chipping and putting with a confidence that belied his 18 years of age and carded a total of one under par 215 to win the title with plenty to spare.

He was rewarded with, besides two beautiful trophies, a chance to match his wits against some of the biggest names in the world at the Qatar Masters.

“Oh yes, I’m looking forward to playing in the Qatar Masters. It's going to be the first time I'm playing a professional event and I'm looking forward to see what I can do against some of the biggest names in the world,” Mathiesen told Doha Stadium Plus.

“I had a two-shot lead coming into the final day and I did not give that up. I just had to keep like going. I know so many of these guys, they all are good golfers and to beat them and come out as winner gives me a lot of confidence before the Qatar Masters,” said the 18-year-old, who is a member of Doha Golf Club.

The Doha College student, however, will put his professional plans on hold after the Qatar Masters for he wants to complete his studies before taking the big plunge.

“I am going to study at a university in Ohio and then hopefully after that I’m going to turn professional and see if I can get some tours around the world,” he said.

Though Mathiesen hogged the limelight, it was not a bad outing for William Shucksmith of England, who carded 73 on Saturday for a total of 222 to finish second.

Jordanese teenager Shergo Al Khurdi's 75 on the final round in a total of 222 handed him the third place while Morocco's Id Omar Ayoub came fourth.

Meanwhile, Saleh Ali Al Kaabi carded a seven-over 223 to finish joint 15th overall while Jaham Jassim Al Kuwari was 11-over 227 for a joint 22nd finish to book their place in the Qatar Masters as the top-ranked Qataris. Ali Al Shahrani will also join them at the European Tour event to be held at the Doha Golf Club from March 7 to 10.

In the professional category, Poland’s Adrian Meronk put in a flawless show for an aggregate score of eight-under 208 to win the title. The 24-year-old won QR7, 000 and a spot in the Qatar Masters. Second-placed Nicklas Johansson of Sweden and Netherlands’ Mike Toorop, who came third, will also join Meronk at the Qatar Masters.

Qatar Golf Association General Secretary Fahad Al Naimi and board member Mohamed Faisal Al Naimi gave away the prizes.