MUSCAT, NOV 6 - High-profile golf events in the Sultanate will help the serious players to improve their standard manifold, feels top Omani golfer Azzan al Rumhi. “Earlier, I used to go overseas to watch top golfers in action. Now with the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, I am privileged to watch them here in Muscat,” Azzan, who won the NBO Omani Amateur Final, said during the presentation ceremony. Fahad al Kitani came second and Rashad al Harthy finished third in the Omani competition held on the sidelines of the European Tour event. Azzan, 33, is looking forward to put his experience and exposure with the top golfers into test at the King Fahad tournament in Manama, Bahrain, from November 17 to 19.
“I am confident to make a good outing at the King Fahad tournament next week, he said.
After that Azzan looks forward to be a part of Omani team that will compete in the Pan Arab tournament in Jordan from November 27 to December 3.
National team coach Steven Troup says the whole-hearted efforts from Oman Golf Committee is behind the growth of the junior players.
“The young Omani golfers are utilising their opportunity to watch the top players and that along with our various programmes to develop the game in the country will see good results in the future,” Oman coach Stephen Troupe told Oman Observer.
Alain de Soultrait, Director of European Challenge Tour, was all praise for the Greg Norman-designed Al Mouj Golf course and opined that the interest shown by the Omani authorities show their real intent to develop the game in the country.
“It is a fantastic golf course and all the 45 players must have enjoyed competing here with sea on the backdrop.”
“With the European Tour event returning to Muscat in February 2018, it shows the game is here to stay,” said De Soultrait.
Nick Tarratt, Regional Director of the European Tour Middle East, said: “Growth of golf in the region generally has been good. However, it will take some time to generate some top quality players from the region. But it is an evolving process.”
“The portfolio of Oman as among a golf destination will get good boost when the European Tour event comes to Al Mouj in 2018,” he added.
It is significant that Oman has developed a notable pool of young golfers led by Azzan al Rumhy, he said.
Clement Sordet of France won the season-ending event of the European Challenge Tour, while Tapio Pulkkanen of Finland topped the rankings after 27 events. The 15 highest ranked players have all now earned cards to play in the elite European Tour.
Pulkkanen won the Rolex special award for topping the Road to Oman rankings.
The tournament closed with a ceremony attended by guest of honour Dr Abdul Munim Al Hasani, Minister of Information, as well as VIP guests and the bank’s senior management.
The NBO Omani Amateur Strokeplay Championship was held at the Al Mouj Golf and Ghala Valley Golf Club. The first round saw 35 young Omanis compete, with the top six progressing to play at the Al Mouj Golf.
ANUROOP ATHIPARAMBATH
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
