Amateur Michael Young clinches Qatar Masters start with Qatar Amateur victory
Ring Of Kerry’s Michael Young. Picture: Pat Cashman
Ring of Kerry amateur Michael Young won the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship to clinch a spot in next month's Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on the European Tour.
As South Africa's Mathiam Keyser claimed the professional title in what doubled as the Qatar Masters qualifier, closing with a 65 to finish in 11-under 205, Young followed rounds of 72 and 76 with a one-under 71 to win the amateur prize by three strokes on three-over 219 at Doha Golf Club.
As a result, he will get to tee it up alongside the cream of the European Tour in €1.75 m Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Qatar Education City Golf Course from March 5-8.
Sweden's Niklas Lemke and England's Brandon Robinson Thompson of England, who finished second and third in the pro event, also earned their place in the European Tour event.
Young had three bogeys and a birdie in his first eight holes but eagled the 639-yard, five-par ninth to turn in level par. He dropped another shot at the 11th but birdied the 15th and 16th to win by three shots from Doha-based Frenchman Tom Santa.
The Island's Paul McBride finished 14th in the professional event on three-over.
