Reed Surges Ahead as Sharma, Sandhu Miss Cut at 2026 Qatar Masters

The 2026 Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club delivered contrasting narratives for Indian golf and global competition.

While Shubhankar Sharma and Yuvraj Sandhu exited early after missing the halfway cut, Patrick Reed continued his dominant Middle East swing, taking a one-shot lead into the weekend in commanding fashion.

It was a disappointing outing for India’s representatives. Shubhankar Sharma carded rounds of 73 and 74 to finish three-over par, while Yuvraj Sandhu returned scores of 72 and 76 to close at four-over. With the cut falling at two-under, both players were comfortably outside the qualifying mark.

For Sharma, the missed cut adds to a challenging phase in his career. After struggling for consistency in recent seasons, he had shown glimpses of recovery through Qualifying School and selective strong finishes. However, in Doha, he failed to build momentum across the two days. Despite four birdies in his opening round, inconsistency off the tee and approach errors proved costly. His second-round 74 sealed his fate, as he failed to string together sustained scoring runs.

Sandhu, who earned his DP World Tour card after dominating the domestic PGTI circuit, continues to adjust to the higher competitive level. His even-par 72 in Round 1 kept him within touching distance, but a 76 on Friday derailed his chances. A lack of driving distance relative to the field and struggles converting key mid-range putts highlighted the transition challenges he faces at this level.

Both players now shift focus to upcoming Asian swing events, where familiarity with conditions could aid recovery.

Patrick Reed’s Middle East Masterclass

While the Indians bowed out, Patrick Reed continued his remarkable run in the region. The 2018 Masters champion moved to 12-under par after two rounds, securing a narrow one-shot lead with a composed five-under 67 in Round 2  . Reed’s performance was a clinic in course management. After opening with a 65 to share the first-round lead, he navigated tricky afternoon winds in the second round with patience and precision. Despite not hitting his first fairway until the sixth hole, Reed struck 17 greens in regulation, showcasing elite ball control.

His back-nine charge defined the round. Birdies at the 10th, 14th, 16th, and a closing seven-foot conversion at the 18th offset a lone bogey at the 15th. The closing putt proved decisive, lifting him clear of the chasing pack.

Reed’s recent form has been exceptional. Following his victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and a runner-up finish at the Bahrain Championship, Doha represents another opportunity to solidify his position atop the International Swing rankings  .

A win here would significantly strengthen his Race to Dubai standing and bolster his pathway toward PGA Tour re-entry later this year.

Tight Chasing Pack

Daniel Hillier, who shared the first-round lead, remained firmly in contention after a steady 69, sitting two shots back alongside South Africa’s Richard Sterne at ten-under. Hillier’s round included multiple birdie clusters, though a late bogey prevented him from staying neck-and-neck with Reed.

Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren also briefly shared the lead before Reed’s late surge. Lagergren produced one of the tournament’s most memorable moments when he salvaged par from a rock formation early in his round, before eventually finishing strong with an eagle on the 18th in Round 2. The leaderboard remains tightly packed heading into the weekend, with multiple players within striking distance. Wind conditions are expected to remain a factor, placing a premium on shot-shaping and strategic restraint.

Doha Golf Club: A Tactical Test

At 7,508 yards, Doha Golf Club demands a balanced blend of power and control. The par-five 10th has emerged as a scoring hub, while the reachable par-four 16th tempts aggressive play. The 18th, guarded by water, offers drama under pressure. Reed’s decision-making on these key holes particularly laying up conservatively on the 18th before executing a precise wedge underlined the maturity separating him from younger challengers.

Harrington’s Milestone

The tournament also marked a historic moment for Pádraig Harrington, who made his 500th DP World Tour start  . The three-time Major champion remains a model of longevity, making the cut for the 380th time in his career a testament to sustained elite performance.

With the cut line eliminating over half the field, the focus now turns fully to the title battle. Reed’s clinical approach gives him a slight edge, but challengers like Hillier remain poised to capitalize on any slip. For Sharma and Sandhu, the week serves as a reminder of the razor-thin margins at this level. The DP World Tour season is long, and opportunities remain particularly during the Asian swing.

As the 2026 Qatar Masters heads into its decisive phase, one storyline dominates: Patrick Reed’s resurgence and pursuit of another trophy in what is rapidly becoming his territory.