Top Arab amateurs join Omega Dubai Desert Classic stars
Ahmed Marjan of Morocco and UAE’s top golfer Ahmed Al Musharrekh will take a positive “everything-to-gain attitude” when they join a strong line-up at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic that gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club from February 9 to 12.
The only two amateurs in the field have been handed special invitations to compete in the $2.5 million European Tour event, promoted and organised by golf in DUBAi, in recognition of their tremendous showing on the regional circuit.
Morocco’s 18-year-old prodigy topped the MENA Golf Tour Order of Merit for amateurs last year while Al Musharrekh won a gold medal at the recent Arab Games held in Doha. The rising UAE star was also instrumental in guiding the UAE team to another gold in the team event at the Qatari capital.
“To play in such a tournament which has a massive worldwide appeal is beyond a dream for any emerging player of my age. I can’t believe my luck,” said Marjan, who featured in all four MENA Golf Tour events, topping the Order of Merit table with 127 points, well ahead of Daniel Owen of England (105) and Mustapha El Maouas (94), also of Morocco
“The MENA Golf Tour has created so many opportunities which we couldn’t think of. It’s up to us how we exploit them. Exposure to this event will certainly be a great learning curve and will help me understand my potential better,” said the young prodigy, who is ranked number one amateur golfer in Morocco.
“I don’t feel the pressure. I’m just more motivated to succeed. It will be fun to play alongside big players whom I have watched only on TV.
“Also, I think it’s a great opportunity for me to showcase the rising standards of the game in Morocco. It’s definitely important for people from other countries to see us and know that we are playing golf,” said Marjan, who has no immediate plans to turn professionals.
“I have no intention of turning pro at the moment. I will think about it five or six year later. There are many areas in my game I need to improve and hence I wouldn’t like to make any decision in a hurry,” said the talented youngster, who has brought his average score down to 72.5 from a 77 in just a few months.
UAE’s Al Musharrekh, the first player from the UAE to qualify for the Egyptian Open in 2010, will be making his first appearance in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, and he can’t wait to get started. “I have grown up seeing top players compete in Dubai. It feels surreal that I will be rubbing shoulders with some of them,” he said.
“Dreams do come true. They have in my case,” said Al Musharrekh, who recorded his best-ever 24th place finish in the prestigious Asian Amateur Championship, held in Singapore last year.
Commented Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi: “The invitations to the two youngsters are part of our tradition to encourage emerging talent from the Arab world. I hope the experience of playing alongside some of the world’s best golfers will boost their confidence and make them better players.
“The UAE players created history in Doha, winning both the gold medals at stake and they do deserve an opportunity to play at this level to hone their competitive edge,” he said.
Golf in Morocco, he said, is pretty well organised. “They have their own tour as well and it’s great to see their players like Ahmed Marjan make the most of the opportunities that came knocking.
“They made their presence felt in the MENA Golf Tour with some very good results. I think it’s just a matter of time before a real champion emerges from Morocco which is home to premier events like Hassan II Trophy and Lalla Meryem Cup. I wish both the players the very best.”
‘golf in DUBAi’ is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Gulf News, Emirates NBD, Jumeirah, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
