Bearsted golfer Matt Ford starts his Qatar Masters bid on Wednesday.

He begins his first round at 12.25pm local time (9.25am our time).

Ford believes he belongs on the European Tour after a solid start to life among golf’s elite.

He finished 25th at the South African Open last time out, earning £7,105 in just his second event since earning his tour card.

The 36-year-old was happy to put prize money on the board and is getting used to his new surroundings after years on the Challenge Tour.

Ford said: "The hardest and biggest change is the size of everything, from the prize money, the crowds, the public interest, the size of the tournaments and people you’re up against.

"You have to believe you belong, and I do, but it will take a bit of getting used to.

"I don’t think I will feel at home properly until I achieve the results like some of those big names.

"But I am feeling more and more comfortable each week and with each new experience."