Spanish veteran Fernandez-Castano playing three different roles at International Series Qatar

Popular Spanish veteran Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano rolled back the years with an Asian Tour cameo at International Series Qatar this week, and had much more than playing duties to concentrate on at Doha Golf Club.

Aside from mastering the iconic golf course and battling with the elements – Doha was at its windy best on day two - the 44-year-old was also multitasking with parenting duties and a coaching brief.

Spain’s Fernandez-Castano was partnering daughter Lola as she made her debut as his caddie, while he also took time out from his own preparation and post-round routine to put in groundwork in his role as coach to young compatriot and rising star Luis Masaveu.

Both Spaniards had received an invite to play on the ninth of 10 elevated Asian Tour events that offer a pathway to LIV Golf, and the results for both were equally impressive.  

Fernandez-Castano comfortably made the cut on two-under at the halfway stage, while 21-year-old Masaveu marked his debut as a professional in a Tour event with an eight under aggregate, helped by an impressive five-under first round of 67.

A two-time champion on the Asian Tour at the 2006 BMW Asian Open in Shanghai and the 2011 edition of the Barclays Singapore Open, Fernandez-Castano explained: “With playing, parenting and coaching it is different - and maybe that’s a positive as somehow that takes the pressure away from your game - you focus on other things.”

On his coaching duties with the talented Masaveu, a bright young hope for Spanish golf who finished third in this year’s US Amateur, he said: “I always say I have the easiest job because he is such an amazing ball striker and he has got everything, he has all the tools, and I think he is going to be one of those bright Spanish stars.

“I have known Luis for a few years now, and a year and half ago he asked for help with putting, which was the weakest part of his game in a way. We started working on that together and he asked me to get a little more involved in the swing and that is what we are doing now.

“I don’t know what it is with Spain but there’s definitely a lot of talent coming through!”

David Puig is one of those young Spaniards blazing a trail in the game, and the player affectionately known as Gonzo was quick to praise his compatriot for his hard work as much as his talent, after the LIV Golf star's endeavour landed a place in three Major fields and a spot on the Olympics this season.

The 22-year-old has shown his undoubted talent on The International Series stage on multiple occasions, with the highlights being a win in Singapore last year and a runner-up finish to American John Catlin at International Series Macau presented by Wynn earlier this year, where he carded a final-day 60 and lost out on a play-off.

Puig, a member of Fireballs GC on the LIV Golf League, is right up there going into the weekend at eight under, and Gonzo held him up as a shining example to other young players. He said: “Every time he is in The International Series he plays well. What David did this year, the things he has achieved have been outstanding.

“It is a shame that LIV Golf doesn't get world ranking points. But the young players, that is exactly what they should be doing: taking these opportunities to play The International Series. One day you are in Macau, or Hong Kong or Doha, and it’s brilliant, especially when you are only 22 or 23.”

Gonzo may be at the other end of his pro career, but he is still hoping to play competitive golf as often as possible before looking to join the seniors ranks when he turns 50. For the time being he is enjoying that mix of coaching, course design and playing.

This week, there was yet another level as he combined caddying and parenting, with 14-year-old daughter Lara carrying the bag for the first time ever. The partnership certainly seemed to work.

He said: “When I saw the course and the heavy rough, I thought it was going to be difficult because I am not driving particularly well. But, somehow, I got the job done day.

“I think because I had my daughter on the bag for first time, I behaved myself and I was just trying to have a good time out there with her and that is exactly what we did. She loves the game, and she is having a blast. She was a little nervous as it was her first tournament today, but she was great.”

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