Ahmed al Wahaibi Oman’s rising golf talent

Omani golfer Ahmed bin Khalil al Wahaibi is steadily carving out a name for himself as one of the Sultanate of Oman’s most promising young talents, following an impressive run of achievements across local, Gulf and international competitions. His recent entry into the world rankings marks a significant milestone in his career and signals the beginning of a new chapter filled with higher ambitions and greater challenges.
In an exclusive interview, Al Wahaibi spoke about his journey in golf, his key achievements, and his aspirations for the future. He clarified that his qualification for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship has not yet been officially confirmed, while noting that he had previously qualified for the same tournament an indication of his consistent performance at a high level.
Al Wahaibi’s journey into golf began with what he described as “a simple passion that quickly turned into a serious goal.” Starting with basic training and gradual skill development, he dedicated himself to mastering the fundamentals of the game. His early participation in local competitions played a crucial role in shaping his competitive mindset and pushing him to improve.
“As I progressed, I started competing in regional and international tournaments, which helped me gain experience and refine my playing style,” he said. “It was not an easy journey. I faced several challenges, both technically and mentally, but persistence and continuous work helped me overcome them.”
One of the key turning points in his career came through the support of Al Manar Financial Investments, which he described as instrumental in boosting his confidence and enabling him to compete at higher levels. Additionally, winning medals outside Oman marked an important milestone, reinforcing his belief in his ability to compete internationally.

Al Wahaibi has achieved notable success in Gulf championships across different age categories. He secured first place in the team event at the 2018 Gulf Championship (U15), followed by a second-place team finish and third place individually in 2019. In 2022, he claimed second place in both team and individual categories at the U18 level.
At the Arab level, he contributed to a third-place team finish in 2019 (U15) and followed it with a second-place team and third-place individual finish in 2022 (U18), further highlighting his steady development.
Internationally, his runner-up finish at the 2023 Jordan Open (U18) and second place at the 2024 Laffi Masters stand out as major achievements. Reflecting on these experiences, he said: “Competing internationally gave me confidence and taught me how to handle pressure, stay focused, and manage my performance throughout the rounds.”
Domestically, Al Wahaibi has enjoyed consistent success, winning multiple titles including the Muscat Open, LNG Championship, National Team Championship, and several others. He attributes this consistency to discipline and commitment. “Continuous training and daily dedication are the main reasons behind maintaining a stable performance level,” he explained.
Despite his success, the young golfer acknowledged the challenges he faced along the way, particularly injuries and the difficulty of balancing academics with sports. He expressed gratitude to the College of Banking and Financial Studies for its support, which played a key role in helping him maintain that balance.

Looking ahead, Al Wahaibi is focusing on intensive preparation for upcoming international competitions through participation in overseas tournaments and structured training programs aimed at enhancing both his physical and technical readiness.
He also revealed that golfing legend Tiger Woods is his primary role model. “His achievements, mentality, and ability to come back stronger after setbacks inspire me greatly,” Al Wahaibi said.
On dealing with pressure, he emphasised the importance of mental strength and preparation. “Pressure is part of competing at a high level. I focus on staying calm, taking each shot step by step, and relying on my preparation to perform well,” he noted.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, President of the Oman Golf Federation and President of the Oman Olympic Committee, for his continuous support and strong commitment to providing me with opportunities to compete in international tournaments. He has been a key supporter of my journey since the very beginning. I would also like to thank the Oman Golf Federation for the significant development the sport is witnessing, as reflected in the ongoing support and attention given to players, which is helping elevate the game and strengthen its presence both regionally and internationally.”
He also highlighted the progress of golf in Oman, pointing to world-class facilities such as Al Mouj Golf. However, he stressed the importance of increasing international exposure and investing in youth development programs to ensure sustained growth.
Concluding the interview, Al Wahaibi made it clear that his ambitions extend far beyond his current achievements. “My short-term goal is to continue improving and perform well in upcoming tournaments. In the long term, I aim to turn professional and represent Oman on the global stage,” he said. “I want to raise my country’s flag in major tournaments, and I am working step by step to achieve that.”