DOHA, Qatar — American Ryder Cup star Boo Weekley is determined to break into the world’s top 20 this year.

Weekley, who shot to prominence with an emphatic 4-and-2 victory over Oliver Wilson in final day singles play at last year’s Ryder Cup, said Wednesday his goal in 2009 is to improve his current ranking of 45.

“At the end of the year, I want to be in the top 20,” the 35-year-old American said ahead of the US$2.5-million Qatar Masters. “If I can get there, I (will) have accomplished my goals this year.”

“Whether I win or lose, still that’s my goal,” he added. “Whether I make the President’s Cup, whether I make the Ryder Cup (team), my goal is to get myself inside the top 20 because that opens up a lot more events for you.”

Weekley is competing in Doha for the first time. No. 2-ranked Sergio Garcia of Spain is also in the field, along with defending champion Adam Scott of Australia, along with former winners Ernie Els and Retief Goosen of South Africa.

Weekley said the Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, in September was the defining moment in his career so far.

“It took me about a week to get over it, it really did,” Weekley said. “I got home that Monday, probably I’d say eleven o’clock, 12 that day and for about the first two hours, I played with my kids and I went up and laid down in my bed.

“I’ve got a little loft in my room upstairs and I was sitting there an I started crying and broke down from all the emotions finally coming out. It is kind of hard to put it into words and how you really felt.”

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