South Africa’s George Coetzee sets the pace in Qatar Masters

South African George Coetzee fired a blistering eight-under-par 64 to lead the Qatar Masters after the first round on Wednesday.

Coetzee made an eagle and seven birdies to move a shot clear of compatriot Dawie van der Walt and Briton Steve Webster, who started his round with a spectacular albatross at the par-five 10th hole.

“It was 254 yards to the pin, slightly into the wind off the left,” the Englishman said.

“It was a five wood and I hit a great shot, obviously straight at it,” he added after becoming the first player to start a European Tour event with an albatross.

“I have never been three under through one before and you wonder is this my day or have I had all my luck on the first hole, but I played great after that.”

Four-time major champion Ernie Els chipped in for an eagle at the last and a round of 67, the same score as American John Daly, and Sweden’s world number three Henrik Stenson carded a 68 after missing the cut in Abu Dhabi last week.