A strong UAE squad leaves for Rabat and the Arab Golf Championship

A strong UAE squad leaves for Rabat yesterday in buoyant mood, hoping that their recent performance at the Asian Pacific Golf Championship in Fiji would hold them in a good stead when they compete in the Arab Golf Championship that gets under way in the Moroccan capital from September 13 to 15.

Spearheaded Ahmed Al Musharrekh, who produced some solid golf, the UAE team finished 14th which was their best ever finish at the championship for the Nomura Cup. Ahmed will be joined his brothers, Abdalla and Hassan, Khalid Yousuf and Faris Al Mazrui in leading the UAE challenge at Rabat.

“The boys are in good shape and we have a reason to believe that we can do better in Morocco,” said Khalid Mubarak, the manager of the UAE team. “If they play to their potential, which I believe will be the case, we certainly can post a top three finish, if not victory,” he added.

““Ahmed is in good form and so is Khalid Yousuf and they could provide the spark to lift the team’s performance, but we can’t take things for granted. Everyone in the team will have to chip in with good scores since it’s a team game.”

One of the major highpoints of the UAE contingent is the presence of Dr Rabab Al Haj who will be competing for individual honours in the women’s category.

“It was a great learning experience last year. Now I know what to expect and, hopefully, I will return home with something to cheer about,” said Al HaJ. “There is no short cut to success. I need to keep playing more and more tournaments if I aim to challenge the best in the business,” she said.

UAE national coach Chris Vallendar was equally upbeat about the team’s showing at Rabat. “The boys are producing some good scores in practice rounds and if they can replicate the form in the competition, I am sure we can finish well.

Caption – UAE national golf team with EGF Chairman & officials

“They have the game and the temperament to compete at this level, but it will all depend upon how consistent they are during the 54-hole competition. That’s the key.”

UAE teams:
UAE squad: Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Al Musharrekh, Abdalla Al Musharrekh, Faris Al Mazrui, Hassan Al Musharrekh.
Ladies' team: Dr Rabab Al Haj
Officials: Khalid Mubarak (team manager) and Chris Vallender (coach).