GMac seven off the lead after battling ‘brutal’ desert sandstorm

Eye drops were of little comfort to Graeme McDowell at a windswept Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha yesterday.

A choking desert ‘Shamal’ engulfed the Qatar capital with McDowell carding a one over par 73 but describing the experience as akin to being put through a ‘sand blaster’.

“Apart from playing in cold and rain, that was one of (the) most uncomfortable days I’ve ever had on a golf course,” he said.