DOHA // Steve Webster shot a sensational albatross on his very first hole at the Qatar Masters on Wednesday, but despite his feat the opening-round lead was held by South Africa’s George Coetzee after a late birdie blitz.
Englishman Webster, who started out on the par five 10th tee, saw his 5-wood approach from 254 yards disappear into the cup.
But despite that he eventually had to settle for a share of second place with Dawie van der Walt after Coetzee finished with three consecutive birdies to take a one-shot lead with an eight-under 64.
Van der Walt had earlier carded a fluent 65 to take the provisional clubhouse lead, but Webster was set to overtake him after being four under after just three holes.
After a steady display, a bogey on his 15th saw Webster end up in a tie for second with Van der Walt, who had carded a bogey-free round.
Webster’s albatross was the second of the season on the European Tour after Dutchman Joost Luiten produced one at the Volvo Golf Champions in Durban this month.
However, this was the first time at this level that anyone had shot an albatross on his opening hole.
Webster was pleased with what he called a “dream start”.
“It was 254 to the pin, wind slightly off the left. I was going to say 5-iron, but it was a 5-wood. Hit a great shot,” Webster said. “Because I carry a big crowd following me, there was about two people behind the green and one of them started jumping up and pointing down. I thought, I don’t know whether it’s gone over the back to the rocks, get up there and he starts clapping. Dream start.
“I played great after that and was really consistent, gave myself a lot of putts and gave myself a lot of chances. I was a little disappointed with seven under, to be honest. I should have finished probably nine or 10, but it’s a good start.”
Coetzee, who was tied for second with Sergio Garcia at last year’s Qatar Masters won by Chris Wood, played a brilliant back nine, which he began with an eagle on the 548-yard 10th, where Webster had recorded his feat.
However, he dropped a shot on the 13th before three straight birdies from the 16th helped him clinch the lead.
Spaniards Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Nacho Elvira shared fourth on 66 along with Frenchman Francois Calmels and England’s Ross Fisher.
Defending champion Wood endured a forgettable first round as he shot a 73 to finish in a tie for 85th position.
Van der Walt said he will try to keep his focus in the latter rounds, drawing lessons from last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, where he carded an impressive 68 in the first round before fading away to finish 71st.
“I had a terrible week and looked like a blind squirrel. I couldn’t do anything right,” the South African said.
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