Bjorn happy to see young Dane Mathiesen progressing in Qatar

Former victorious Ryder Cup Captain and winner of the 2011 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Thomas Børn has congratulated Doha Golf Club member – and fellow Dane – Mikkel Mathiesen, after the 18-year-old won the Qatar Open earlier this month to earn a place in the field of the European Tour event.

“I’ve known Mikkel for quite a few years and he’s always been very keen and a very good player,” said Bjørn. “He’s put a lot of time and effort into his game and it’s great to see him progressing to the point where he won the Qatar Open to qualify to play with us on the European Tour – he should have an enjoyable week with us.”

Bjørn, who played a limited schedule for most of last year as his role of Ryder Cup Captain took priority, is happy to be heading back to Qatar and play in the event for the 15th time in his career.

“It’s always great to come back to Qatar. Doha is a great golf course and we’re always very well looked after, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Danish teenager Mathiesen, who joined Doha Golf Club in 2009 at the age of nine and now plays off a +2 handicap, carded a three-round total of 1-under-par 215 to win the only available qualifying spot at the Qatar Open by seven strokes, ahead of William Shucksmith.

In September Mathiesen has the opportunity to further his fame as a burgeoning golfer when he takes up a scholarship at Wright State University in Dublin, Ohio. He is a product of the DOGT Junior Academy.

“I’d like to thank the Doha Oilmen’s Golf Tournament for the funds they provide to the Academy,” says Mikkel. “The funding and the coaching I have received has enabled me to improve and pursue my dream of playing College golf in the United States. Without the support of the DOGT, this would not have been possible.”

The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters takes place at Doha Golf Club from March 7-10. Entry for spectators is free of charge.

Picture Caption:
Former victorious Ryder Cup Captain and winner of the 2011 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Thomas Bjørn, with the then five-year-old Mikkel Mathiesen, who qualified for the Qatar Masters by winning the Qatar Open earlier this month.