The second leg of the European Tour's Desert Swing is the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, played at Doha Golf Club.

Rough on the 7,388 yard course was left much shorter this year in anticipation of high winds - and for once, the weather forecasters were spot on! During round 1, players were buffeted by strong winds, which also left them sand blasted after sand was picked up and blown all around the course!

Indeed, as we write, play is still suspended - only three hours of golf was possible before players heard the claxon and had to leave the course.

Pro V1 loyalist K.J. Choi, as well as Pro V1x loyalists Nicolas Colsaerts and Paul Lawrie were all near the top of the leaderboard after the first day. But with the wind delays and the ongoing difficult conditions, players are dropping shots almost as quickly as they gain them - it'll be intriguing stuff over the weekend.

The event also marks the full European Tour debut for Titleist ambassador Peter Uihlein, the former World Amateur #1. Peter made his professional debut on the Challenge Tour last week, finishing a very creditable 12th at the Gujarat Kensville Challenge in India - we wish him continued good luck this season!

To view this week's slideshow, just click on the image below:

The stunning clubhouse at Doha Golf Club