Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson claimed his maiden DP World Tour title after producing a fine finish in tough conditions to win the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters by a single shot.
Ferguson went into Sunday’s final round three shots adrift of overnight co-leaders Adrian Meronk and Matthew Jordan but as the duo slipped backwards on the inward nine, the European Challenge Tour graduate was able to take full advantage, firing an eagle and a birdie in his last three holes to lift the trophy.
After shrugging off the disappointment of an early double bogey at the second hole, Ferguson birdied the 6th before carding nine straight pars on a windy afternoon at Doha Golf Club.
That run ended with a tremendous chip-in eagle from over the back of the 16th green, which was enough to propel Ferguson into a share of the lead, and he nervelessly holed his 16-foot birdie putt at the last to sign for a closing 70 and set the clubhouse target on seven under par.
He faced an anxious wait as Meronk and Jordan still had a handful of holes to complete, but no one could catch the Scot and he was able to celebrate his first professional win.
Ferguson’s playing partner Chase Hanna finished alone in second place on six under after he rounded off his Sunday 71 with a birdie at the 18th.
Meronk and Marcus Kinhult were another shot further back in a tie for third.
South Africa’s Justin Harding finished T5 on four under and Wilco Nienaber and Justin Walters T12 on three under.
Ferguson joins past champions Andrew Coltart (1998) and Paul Lawrie (1999 and 2012) as Scottish winners of this event.
The lead had been held by either Jordan or Meronk for the vast majority of the day but a series of back-nine setbacks opened the door for the chasing pack and Ferguson was able to emerge victorious.
“I just can’t believe it at all. Years and years of hard work,” he said. “My mum, dad, sister and brother and all my family gave me everything to try and get to this moment and it’s an absolute dream come true.
“I think I’ve been in contention enough now on the Challenge Tour and out here at the start of this year a little bit, and I just managed to deal with it today.
“I’m obviously a winner now – it’s incredible.
“I got here earlier today because [coach] Jamie Gough said ‘your chipping’s not good enough’. Worked on it, worked on it and chipped in today and played a decent chip on the last.”
Ferguson dedicated the victory to his mom on Mother’s Day.
“I know she’ll be watching at home crying. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums, especially mine.”
– Report from DP World Tour website
