Oman to host GCC age group golf championship

MUSCAT, DEC 16
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Oman Golf Association (OGA), will host the GCC Age Group Golf Championship at Ghala Golf Club from December 21 to 24, featuring national teams from GCC countries in the under-13 boys, under-16 boys and under-16 girls categories. The tournament will bring together some of the most promising young golf talents in the region.
Faiz bin Mohammed Riyadh, OGA Vice-Chairman, stated that hosting the championship represents a key milestone in the development of golf in Oman, emphasising that age group competitions form the true foundation for building future achievements and nurturing the champions of tomorrow.
'The OGA continues its ambitious efforts to strengthen Oman’s presence on the regional and international golf map by hosting high profile regional events.'
Riyadh explained that the championship carries significant technical, developmental and tourism value, supporting Oman’s golf development programmes, providing young players with valuable competitive exposure and reinforcing Oman’s reputation as a reliable host capable of delivering events to the highest organisational and technical standards.
The support provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), along with various government entities and private sector partners was crucial, he said noting that institutional partnerships are essential to the success of major championships.
In the championship, all GCC countries will participate with full national teams, ensuring a high level of competition and reflecting the rapid growth of golf across the region.
Riyadh highlighted that the OGA has built on its accumulated experience from hosting previous GCC and international tournaments, further enhancing organisational mechanisms and services for participating delegations. 'The championship serves as an ideal platform for identifying emerging talents and integrating them into long-term development pathways through academies, school programmes and national teams.'
'The OGA has adopted a multiyear development strategy aimed at expanding the grassroots base, increasing international exposure and strengthening Oman’s presence in regional, continental and global competitions. A strong competition with GCC teams accelerates both technical and mental development for young players.'

WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION
The OGA official confirmed that Oman’s boys and girls national teams have undergone intensive training programmes at Ghala Golf Club under qualified coaches to ensure peak physical, technical and mental readiness for the event. He also emphasised the OGA's commitment to promoting golf within the community, particularly among youth, through schools, outreach initiatives and open days, while continuing to expand opportunities for girls through dedicated tournaments and training programmes.
He noted that golf plays a direct role in boosting sports tourism, attracting high value visitors, supporting the national economy and showcasing Oman’s natural and tourism assets, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Riyadh said all facilities have been fully prepared in cooperation with Ghala Golf Club, including course evaluations, practice areas and specialised logistics, technical and officiating teams.
He highlighted that the Ghala Golf Club, established in 1971, is the oldest golf club in Oman and has evolved from a renowned sand course into a full 18 hole grass course in the heart of Muscat, equipped with modern training facilities that have contributed to the development of generations of players.
Concluding his remarks, Faiz Mohammed Riyadh stressed that Oman’s golf ambitions extend beyond GCC participation toward building a generation capable of competing at Asian and world levels, affirmed that nurturing young talent remains the cornerstone of a bright future for Omani golf, with the upcoming GCC Championship marking a significant step toward hosting major Asian and international tournaments in the years ahead.