By Tom Edrington

Doha, Qatar

The 2011 Qatar Masters started Thomas Bjorn on his way to a marvelous season, one in which he won three times on the European Tour.

Bjorn heads this week's field at the Doha Golf Club when action begins on Thursday.

This week's event has a tough act to follow after last week's action in Abu Dhabi when Robert Rock out-dueled Tiger Woods to win the title at the HSBC Championship, the second and biggest win of his short career.

Neither Rock or Woods is in the field this week but Bjorn will face a long list of worthy opponents, including former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell, who will be making his 2012 season debut.

Bjorn finished in a tie with Woods for third last week and is in good form to defend his title.

"It's a new season, a new tournament ahead of you, so you've got to try and prepare yourself a bit for what's ahead of you this week," Bjorn said.

Lee Westwood fell to the world's No. 3 ranking thanks to Rory McIlroy's runner-up finish last week and Westwood is in the field along with Spain's Alvaro Quiros, a solid player in the desert events.

PGA Tour regulars Hunter Mahan and Jason Day have made the long trip to Qatar to join this week's field.

The conditions could present a unique challenge for all the players as wind is predicted to show its influence all four days.

 

European Tour Continues Dance in the Desert at Qatar Masters