Weather to be key element at Mena Golf Tour Moroccan opener
Zane Scotland believes a level of ignorance at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam Open, the opening event on the MENA Golf Tour, could be bliss as he looks to flourish in a foreign environment this week.
Like most of the overseas players in the field, the Englishman has no clue about the European-styled Red Course, and is happy slip under the radar as appearance of a strong number of Moroccan players in the tournament has attracted much of the spotlight.
“Let’s be honest, I have no expectations in terms of results. I will start thinking about it once the first round is over,” said Scotland, who finished runner-up to Wales’ Stephen Dodd in last year’s MENA Golf Tour Order of Merit standings.
“All I know, there are many good players in the field and one has to play really well to seize the early initiative on the tour,” said Scotland after playing a practice round in rainy conditions on Monday.
Those who are familiar with conditions here, however, feel it would take monumental patience and accuracy off tees to tame the course, nestled deep in the heart of a 1,000-acre forest of cork trees.
Measuring 6,702 metres from the championship tees, the Robert Trent Jones-designed course is both lengthy and strenuous and the lay out is designated as one of the most difficult in all of Europe.
Germany’s Marcel Siem holds the course of a nine-under, but it’s unlikely it would be threatened since weather forecast calls for high winds and intermittent rains during the week.
“Anyone scoring under-par, even if it is one, consistently on all three days stands a good chance winning the tournament,” said Sebastian Heisele, a Dubai-based English professional.
“An array of narrow fairways, lush semi-rough, penal heavy rough and tricky greens make for a rugged test of any player’s mettle,” said Heisele, who recently featured on an EPD Tour on Red course where 6-under won the tournament.
His compatriot Daniel Owen, however feels the wind could be a huge factor. “If it blows, which is expected, one could be hitting his approach with a three or five wood and if it stays calm, a mid-iron will do the job. So, this course can play differently every day,” said Owen, a regular to the MENA Golf Tour.
Morocco’s experienced pro Faycal Sergini, who has played over 100 rounds of golf on this course, feels the winning the score could be 12-under-par – and eight-under if it continues to rain.
Meanwhile, seven more Moroccan golfers joined the starting line-up on Monday, taking the country’s tally to 29 players in the field, which is the largest since the MENA Golf Tour was first played in 2011.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, thanked the golfing authorities in Morocco for all their support in staging the event. “We look forward to their continued backing as move forward. Hopefully, we will have more events in and around Morocco.
Welcoming players at his club, Bouftas Abderrahman, president of Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, said it was a great see to players from so many countries come to Rabat to showcase their skills. “There presence in the field will give Moroccan players a great opportunity to hone their competitive skills.
“In Morocco, we have many players who are playing as professionals on different development tours. I hope they will produce a good showing against such a quality field and bring more laurels for the country.
A new initiative by the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, the MENA Golf Tour is supported by Omega and Mercedes-Benz. It is affiliated to the Arab Golf Federation and the R&A – golf’s governing body and boasts a combined prize fund of $ 575,000, including $75,000 for the Tour Championship.
Some of the Moroccan players at the first tee before playing a practice round at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam on Monday
