Mena Golf Tour Qatar Classic promises a rich fare

Organisers of the MENA Golf Tour believe the inaugural Qatar Classic, starting on Monday, will provide a fresh boost to the country’s growing reputation as a major golf destination.

“This is our first visit to Qatar which we see as another positive development for golf in the region. I would like to thank the Doha Golf Club for hosting the event which, I am sure, will become a popular and permanent stop on the Tour,” Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the tour, told newsmen on Sunday.

“Qatar, as we all know, has made great strides in putting together solid infrastructure for golf and hosting a Tour event at the home to the European Tour’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters underlines the country’s commitment to broadening the base of golf in the Arab world,” he said.

Sanctioned by the Qatar Golf Association and supported by the Qatar Olympic Committee, the $50,000 tournament has attracted a strong field of 100 golfers, including 21 amateurs from 30 countries. Of particular significance is the presence of five Qatari amateurs in the field.

“We are grateful to these amateurs for being part of this tour and strongly believe their presence will play an important role in developing the game at grassroots level,” said Mr Buamaim.

“There is no dearth of enthusiasm for the game here, as the overwhelming response to the Qatar Classic suggests, but we have to keep the momentum going, ensuring the region’s talent gets meaningful playing opportunities to take their game to the next level.

“When we started the tour in 2011, our primary aim was to provide emerging players, especially from the region, a platform to play against a top-class international field. With the tour covering a vast expanse of the region, they have a new window of opportunity to enhance their careers.

“With the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Qatar Golf Association and Doha Golf Club, we are confident of delivering an exciting tournament, which I believe will further stimulate interest in golf in the country,” he added

Mohammed Faisal Al Naimi, executive director of the Qatar Golf Association, said: “The Qatar Classic will have a positive impact the growth of golf here besides showcasing our golfing facilities to the world.

“We are delighted to be part of the MENA Golf Tour as we support all initiatives which target overall development of the game in the region,” he said “The tour has done a great job in creating a competitive environment for the region’s players to grow and excel on the international stage.”

Chris Myers, General Manager of Doha Golf Club, commented: “The course is in great condition and I am confident that the players will relish playing in our challenging and matured championship course.

“I look forward to welcoming at our club and wish them a pleasant and comfortable stay here in Doha.”

England’s Zane Scotland is, at present, leading the Order of Merit for professionals with $45,896 in earnings from the first seven events on the tour while the Moroccan duo of Mustapha El Maouas (139 points) and Ahmed Marjane (119) top the amateur division.

Launched by the ShaikhMaktoum Golf Foundation in 2011, the MENA Golf Tour is affiliated to the R&A and the Arab Golf Federation.

Each tournament — a minimum 54-hole stroke-play event — carries World Ranking points and $50,000 in prize money while the season-ending MENA Tour Championship has a prize fund of $75,000

The top three professionals and the leading amateur from their respective orders of merit get invites to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the longest-running European Tour event in the region.

Orders of merit after the Abu Dhabi GOLF CITIZEN Open, the 7th stop on the tour:

Professionals:
1. Zane Scotland (England) $45,896
2. Stephen Dodd (Wales) $24,882
3. Ian Keenan (England)    $17,27
4. David Law(Scotland) $13,404.00
5. Trevor Marshall (New Zealand)$12,950.00
6. Tommy Mou (US) $10,702
7. Duncan Stewart (Scotland) $10,405
8. Younes El Hassani (Morocco) $8,968
9. Daniel Owen (England) $7,686
10. William Harrold (England) $7,524.00

Amateurs:
1. Mustapha El Maouas (Morocco) 139 points
2. Ahmed Marjan (Morocco) 119
3.  Jean-Michel Hall (England) 106
4.  Michael Harradine (Switzerland) 86
5.  Max Williams     (England) 81

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, with
Mohammed Faisal Al Naimi, executive director of the Qatar Golf Association, Mike Shoueiry, technical director of the association, and Chris Myers, General Manager of Doha Golf Club