Pakistan Golfers upbeat ahead of Mena Golf Tour
Pakistan golfers fancy their chances of spinning out some surprise results when they return in big numbers to compete in the MENA Golf Tour events, starting with the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club Open from September 24. “Our expectations are high, but having tested the waters last year we also know we need to go up a level if we are to challenge a competent field,” said Aadil Jehangir, who finished ninth on the Order of Merit for professionals in 2011, the best result by a Pakistani golfer.
“The tour offers us a great chance to play at some of the best courses and the level of competition is as good as that of any tour. The timings of the tour are just perfect as it provides ideal preparation for all those eyeing the Asian Tour qualifying rounds,” he added.
“The big prize, of course, are the invitations that top three professionals (and also the leading amateur) will get to play in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Plying in the European Tour event in Dubai would be nothing less than a dream come true. Not for me, but for any golfer from Pakistan, in particular.
“The MENA Tour has opened up a big window of opportunities for Pakistani golfers who are usually play on the country’s own professional tour, called the Pakistan Golf Federation Tour which carries a total prize fund of rupees 25 million (almost Dh one million) — and some on the Asian Development Tour.
“If we play to our potential, which I am sure will likely be the case, we can win at least one or two events on the MENA Tour. That’s the sort of confidence we are taking into the MENA Tour,” said Jehangir, adding: “The player to watch out for will be in-form Matloob Ahmed, who recently finished second on the Pakistan Tour.
Jehangir and Matloob will be joined Mohammed Munir (Pakistan number 3), Shafiq Masih (Pakistan number six) and Danyaal Jehangir among others in the field for the opening event at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, hoping a good showing will put Pakistan golf on the map.
Pakistan golfers will have their task cut out with leading golfers, including European Tour veteran Stephen Dodd, Jake Shepherd, the winner of the 2011 MENA Tour Order of Merit title, Zane Scotland, Ross Bain, Yasin Ali, Peter Richardson and Dale Marmion besides a strong contingent from Morocco joining the fray in what promises to be an absorbing contest.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, said: “It’s nice to see the tour hit it off well with players from countries which are yet to be considered golf powerhouses despite rising popularity of the game there.
“Pakistani golfers provided a glimpse of their talent in the first edition and I am sure they must be better prepared this time around. All they need is regular exposures to high-class competitions to develop their golf and the MENA Tour will provide just the opportunities they need to showcase their skills. I wish them the very best and hope they all have a wonderful stay in the UAE.”
A new initiative of the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, the tour is affiliated to R&A and the Arab Golf Federation. The six-stop tour, which is backed by Omega and Mercedes-Benz, boasts a combined prize fund of $325,000.
