Mena Golf Tour is fuelling the growth of the game in the region says participant Yasin Ali
Yasin Ali believes the MENA Golf Tour has the potential to serve as an engine for fuelling the growth of the game in the region if it gets the recognition from the international governing bodies it so richly deserves.
“It is a fantastic tour and has everything ranging from good weather to good fields and stops in great cities. This region boasts so many great courses that it would have been really a shame if it did not have its own tour,” said the experienced Englishman, who has featured in all, but two events on the MENA Golf Tour (MGT) since its inception in 2011.
“The tour has forged its own unique identity on the golfing map. And I personally feel it’s time for organisers of all international tournaments in the region to create space for the MENA Golf Tour by offering its members some spots in the main draw.
“It would be a natural progression for the tour. That’s how we can create more meaningful playing opportunities for the regional players and that’s how the game is going to develop,” said Yasin ahead of the Dubai Creek Open, starting on September 15.
“I have no clue about what the (MGT) management have in their mind or in which direction they intend to take the tour, but from a player’s perspective I believe these are exciting times for golf in this region and the growth of the MENA Golf Tour will only add to this increased interest and broaden the appeal for the game.
“One of the major reasons for the success of the MENA Golf Tour is the Omega Dubai Desert Classic spots that are offered to the top three professionals and the leading amateurs on their respective orders of merit. It is that carrot we are all after. The Desert Classic is one of the best, if not the best event on the European Tour.”
The MENA Golf Tour, he said, has many notable facets that enliven the competition, the major one being, “it gives an opportunity to players like me, Lee (Corfield), Zane (Scotland), and others playing on this tour to revive our careers, while experienced pros like European Tour winner Stephen Dodd are taking this route to stay in shape for the Senior Tour they may play in the near future.
“For the emerging youngsters, both professionals and amateurs, it is the right platform to get to the next level,” said Yasin, who is still awaiting for the breakthrough win despite a second and a string of top-10 finishes under his belt.
“I have been close, but not close enough to close the deal,” said Yasin, also a seasoned Asian Tour campaigner. “Golf can be a could-have, should-have done this or that sport.
“It’s all a question of getting that first win. When and where it will happen, I don’t know. All I know is, I just want to progress with my golf after some difficult years,” added Yasin, who captained the England Boys team, aged 18.
“I am not too hung up (on the win). May be that’s the problem.”
An initiative of the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, the MENA Golf Tour was created in 2011 with the aim of developing golf in the region. It is affiliated to R&A, the worldwide golf governing body based in the home of golf, St Andrews, and the Arab Golf Federation.
