Day one digest: 2022 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

Friday, 25 March 2022

Everything you need to know from day one in Doha.

Pablo went low, Eddie holed a monster putt and Bernd was in a class of his own on day one of the 2022 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday's opening round at Doha Golf Club.

Pablo's fast start

Early riser Pablo Larrazábal got off to a lightning-quick start on Thursday, opening his round with a hat-trick of birdies at the tenth, 11th and 12th before picking up further shots on the 14th, 16th and 18th to turn in 30. The Spaniard made three more gains on his back nine, with his only bogey of the day coming on the fifth as he signed for a 64 to lead the way by two on eight under.

Helligkilde relieved to hole his putts

Marcus Helligkilde credited improved putting for getting him in contention after the first round in Qatar. The 25-year-old has been searching for better fortune on the greens in recent tournaments and it finally came together at Doha Golf Club with a round of 66 to leave him two shots off the lead. The Dane said: "I’ve been playing nicely for this four-week stretch and the putts just haven’t dropped. Suddenly today, I holed a chip shot, holed a putt from off the green and some putts dropped and suddenly I’m six under."

Pepperell's putting masterclass

Eddie Pepperell holed this mammoth 79-foot birdie putt from the edge of the green on the sixth. Take a bow, Eddie.

Deadeye Marcus hot off the tee after mix-up

Marcus Armitage had his eye in on the eighth as his tee-shot took him to within six feet of the pin, setting up a birdie two. Which was just as well after his issues at the sixth...

Really enjoyed today apart from the 6th fairway we’re I pick my ball up thinking it’s preferred lie and it’s not 🤣🤣🤣 @DPWorldTour @TileGiantLTD @TheDunkirk1 @CallawayGolf @TitleistEurope @FootJoyEurope @bezoge @CBQatarMasters pic.twitter.com/osFoeeV3Rk
— Marcus Armitage (@marcusarmitage1) March 24, 2022

How good was this though?

Ritthammer makes only eagle

There were plenty of low scores out there on day one but the only eagle of the opening round came from Germany's Bernd Ritthammer on the par-five 18th. The 34-year-old, who shot a one-under 71, saved the best for last. After his approach left him with just under 22 feet to the pin, he rolled in the putt to land a valuable eagle.