Tom McKibbin finishes fourth as Rikuya Hoshino wins Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

Doha Golf Club was the venue for 2024 Qatar Masters. Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin started his final round on nine under one shot behind joint leaders Rasmus Hojgaard, Rikuya Hoshino and Hugo Coussaud on 10 under. Weather was poor for the start of day four with rain and wind. McKibbin played his final round with Ewen Ferguson and Niklas Norgaard. McKibbin opened up with five pars in a row. After four holes Hoshina and Coussaud were tied first on 11 under.

The rain stopped and blue skies appeared as McKibbin was playing his sixth hole. The sixth hole at Doha was the second toughest hole on day four playing 484 yards and McKibbin was successful in achieving a par. Hoshino made two birdies in a row at five and six to lead outright on 12 under. Hoshino dropped a shot on hole seven after a weak chip shot. McKibbin had birdie chances at the eight and ninth hole but shot a front nine of even par.

Coussaud dropped a shot at hole eight and Hoshino was leading after nine holes on 11 under. McKibbin advanced to 10 under after an up and down at 535 yard par five 10th hole. Hoshino also took advantage of the par five 10th hole as he returned to 12 under. McKibbin hit a excellent tee shot at 193 yard par three 13th hole but was unsuccessful with his birdie effort. Northern Irishman was playing great tee to green but was unable to find a hot putter.

Scott Jameison had the best score on day four with a round of 65 to finish on 12 under. Hojgaard played his front nine in two over and his challenge came to an end after a duffed chip shot on hole 14. Coussaud reached 12 under after a sensational iron shot on hole 14. An extraordinary tee shot from McKibbin to find the green at reachable 296 yard par four 16th hole. McKibbin two putted to make his second birdie of day four to reach 11 under. Coussaud made an error as his tee shot on hole 16 missed the green and had to settle for a disappointing par.

McKibbin’s birdie effort at 141 yard par three 17th was extremely close but managed to escape with a par. McKibbin flushed a 3 wood on hole 18 which came to rest 121 feet from the pin. Hoshino made two birdies in a row at 16 and 17 to reach 14 under. An eagle at 18 would not be enough for McKibbin to win his second DP World Tour event. McKibbin finished with a three putt to shoot a round of 70. A solid round from McKibbin which included 16 pars and two birdies.

McKibbin finished 11 under in fourth and earned $125,000. Hojgaard finished tied sixth on nine under. Coussaud finished on 13 under after holing his birdie putt on 18. Hoshino held a fantastic short-range par putt to win Qatar Masters. A brillant back nine of three under gives Hoshino a well-deserved win.