Ireland’s Paul McGinley was just two shots off the lead following the completion of the sandstorm-delayed first round at the Qatar Masters in Doha today. The Dubliner was tied for second with England’s Phil Golding and South African James Kingston, with David Howell out in front after he shot a 66.
At the start of the week McGinley was diagnosed with pneumonia and on Wednesday he managed only nine holes of the pro-am, but good golf is often a tonic in itself and after 17 holes he had yet to drop a shot. However, he then three-putted the last for a bogey six and four under 68.
Tournament favourite and fellow Dubliner Padraig Harrington opened with a bogey six, but with recovered to end up with a two under 70.
Peter Lawrie and Damien McGrane were both one over par, Gary Murphy and Graeme McDowell shot three over par 75s, Graham Spring was four over and Stephen Browne had a disappointing opening round when he fired a six over 78.
With most of the first day's play ruined by a sandstorm, officials were scrambling to make up for lost time, hoping to prevent play from going into the fifth day on Monday.
Filed by James Boylan.
