MUSCAT: Max Burrow sealed his place in the European Tour’s Oman Open after the Englishman got his hands on the 2019 OHI Oman Amateur Open trophy with a thrilling victory over Mikkel Mathiesen in the 36-hole final.
With both players matching each other throughout the early stages, Burrow turned on the heat with a succession of birdies, allowing him to pull away from the Dane before a string of steady holes saw him emphatically seal the title with a 10&8 win at Ghala Golf Club.
The victory not only books his place at next month’s prestigious Oman Open at Al Mouj Golf but also gains him vital World Amateur Golf Ranking points, which were introduced for the first time this year thanks to the rapid growth of the game in the Sultanate since last year’s inaugural Oman Open.
“This event was arguably one of the biggest of my season and having missed out in the play-off last year I was keen to come back,” said a delighted Burrow. “Obviously it’s great to have gone one better this year and I’m very much looking forward to playing in the European Tour event at the end of February. The course was once again in great condition and the support of the sponsors OHI, and the organisers Golf Oman, is much appreciated.”
The four-day event had started with a 36 hole strokeplay qualifier with an enormous field of 108 golfers competing for one of eight matchplay spots. With a highly competitive international field going for glory it seemed fitting that the final eight each represented a different country and included four Omani residents — national team golfer Azzan al Rumhi, Jeff Campbell, Tsarong, and Ahmad Ejaaz.
Mundhir al Barwani, Chairman of the Oman Golf Committee said: “Two weeks ago we celebrated ten years as a committee and this has been our flagship event, we are really lucky to have the support from OHI to nurture this tournament year on year.”
“With four Omani residents in the final eight I think it’s very clear to see the growth of the game is on an upward spiral since we welcomed a European Tour event to our beautiful country. Finally to our champion, Max Burrow, it was a privilege to watch the highest standard of golf throughout the four days and we look forward to welcoming you back in February to take on the world’s elite at the Oman Open.”
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