Mena Golf Tour ace Ahmed Marjane to feature in Kings cup in Thailand

Ahmed Marjane will be hoping he can continue his good form this season and post a strong finish when he makes his debut on the Asian Tour in the King’s Cup in Thailand later this week. The 22-year-old Moroccan created history last month, becoming the first Arab golfer to win a MENA Golf Tour event since its inception in 2011, a feat he achieved at the Ras Al Khaimah Classic, beating a strong international field.

Riding on his breakthrough victory, Marjane finished seventh on the 2014 Order of Merit – and second in the MENA Division just behind his compatriot Faycal Serghini. Indeed, a creditable performance from a young prodigy who is tipped to carry the mantle for the next generation of golfers from the MENA region.

Marjane’s achievement resonated on many levels, setting in motion a chain of events that opened a floodgate of playing opportunities. It is appropriate that an invitation to play in the King’s Cup fell to Marjane, who graduated to the professional ranks after winning the MENA Golf Tour’s Amateur Order of Merit title in the inaugural edition of the tour in 2011.

“The MENA Golf Tour has been the catalyst for putting Arab golf on the international sporting map. People now know we play golf and we are good at it,” said the talented youngster, who will also compete in the Dubai Open, the Asian Tour’s final event of 2014, at The Els Club Dubai in December.

“It will be my first visit to Thailand, but I know I can be as competitive as anyone in the field. A good showing will be a good advertisement for the rising standards of the game in our region,” said Marjane.

The prestigious King’s Cup returns to the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club in Khon Kaen, northeast of Bangkok, from November 27 to 30, featuring a strong field, which includes the likes of India’s Anirban Lahiri, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Scott Hend of Australia and Steve Lewton of England among other big names.

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, thanked the King’s Cup officials for extending a sponsor’s invitation to Marjane. “A new generation of Arab golfers is on the rise as reflected in their performance on the MENA Golf Tour this year. All they need is a good competitive environment to take their golf to the next level.

“Ahmed’s prominence will further stimulate the growth of golf in the region and inspire youngsters to take up the sport. Whatever the outcome, one thing is sure: Ahmed will certainly return home richer in experience. I wish him the very best.”

Photo: Ahmed Marjane with Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour