Strong Moroccan contingent eyes Mena Golf Tour for more glory
Moroccan golfers reckon the self-belief they have in their game will be the most potent weapon when they compete against a competent field in the forthcoming MENA Golf Tour, starting next month. Determined to put the rising standard of the game in their country on centre-stage, a strong contingent of 23 players, including 13 amateurs, have signed up this year, the number representing more than 100 per cent increase from last year’s count of 11 players.
They made a strong statement with a string of stand-out performances in the inaugural edition of the tour. Led by Ahmed Marjan, young Moroccan golfers dominated the Order of Merit for amateurs, winning three of the top places while experienced professional Faycal Serghini further added to glory, finishing a creditable second at the Ras Al Khaimah Classic and Younes El Hassani twice raking up a third-place finish.
Well-known for bringing flair and exuberance to the game, the Moroccans believe more success is around the corner as they crank up their preparations for this year’s tour which will have six stops, including one in Saudi Arabia.
Image: Younes El Hassani
“The MENA Tour has created tremendous buzz in Morocco and everybody is really excited at the prospects of playing against quality field,” said El Hassani, adding: “There are a lot of guys who feel they have the game and the attitude to win the tour events and they are all chomping at the bit.
“Most of us have been down this route before – and know what to expect. The good thing about the game of golf is on any day anything can happen so, hopefully, we can sneak up on a few top three places in each event.
“The beauty of this tour is that it has created a great competitive environment for players, especially from the region, to showcase their skills. People from other countries now know we are playing golf and we are good at it.
“The huge bonus, of course, is the slots in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic for top three professionals and the leading amateur of the tour. We can’t ask for more,” said El Hassani, who himself has played in the European Tour event on a sponsor’s invitation.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, commented: “It feels great to know that the tour is hitting off well with players. Many new members, not only from Morocco, but from other countries have registered for this year’s events.
“This shows the tour is playing a significant role for the overall development of the game in the region. Players from Morocco have already shown there is no depth of talent in that country. Regular exposure against a strong field will further hone their skills and motivate them to work even harder.
“The fact that as many as 23 golfers from the golf-loving country have already registered for this year’s Tour clearly reflects on their enthusiasm for the game. I wish them the very best and hope they will return home with more laurels — and wonderful memories of the tour.”
A new initiative of the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, the MENA Golf Tour, which is supported by Omega and Mercedes-Benz, kicks off at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht on September 24, 2012 while the season-ending MENA Tour Championship will be held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club from October 29 to 31.
