Faycal Serghini is hoping to turn the confidence he gained by finishing inside the top five in the 2013 MENA Golf Tour Order of Merit into a good finish at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic next week and make a strong statement about the rising standards of the game in the Arab world.
The leading Arab professional from Morocco knows a thing or two about what it takes to play at the highest level, having competed in the longest-running European Tour event in the region a couple of times.
The 38-year-old native of Casablanca joins a stellar cast, led by world No1 Tiger Woods, European No1 Henrik Stenson and former No1 Rory McIlroy among other past champions during the event, which celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Serghini, who will have the company of compatriot Mustapha El Maouas, who has made it to the starting line-up after topping the amateur Order of Merit on the MENA Tour, said: “Playing alongside such a classy field, it doesn’t get any better. I can’t wait to get started.
“It will be a very special week for Morocco golf as it will put our country on the golfing map and this makes us all very proud.
“And we are very lucky to be playing on such a great course (Majlis at Emirates Golf Club). The course is absolutely immaculate and it is one of the best they compete on the European Tour.”
Serghini has been invited by golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organisers of the tournament, as part of their strong ties with organisers of the Hassan II Trophy.
“I am definitely ready to get going and my immediate goal is to make the cut which I have not been able to do in my previous visits,” added Serghini, who finished runner- up to England’s Lee Corfield in the season-ending MENA Tour Championship in November last year in Al Ain.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “Encouraging and promoting emerging Arab talent has always been a priority for us and we believe the experience gained will help further add to their confidence.
“Morocco is leading the way when it comes to professional golf in the Arab world, and it’s definitely important for people from other countries to see how their golfers are shaping up. Morocco has invested heavily in sporting infrastructure and it’s paying off now.”
IN BRIEF
Long wait proves sweet for defending champ
Julia Alhemoud made it back-to-back victories in the annual RAK Ladies Amateur Open held at Al Hamra Golf Club. Alhemoud had to wait for every other group to finish to see whether her score of 77 would be enough to secure her a second consecutive win.
After a great start on the front nine which saw two birdies on the par 3s and the lone dropped shot on the ninth, Julia’s front nine of 35 put her in great position. But she faltered slightly on the back nine, dropping six shots for her 77.
Luckily for Julia, that proved to be enough as her nearest rival, two-time champion Sana Tufail, had an unusually struggling round of 79, thus finishing runner-up.
Caley dominates inaugural Ladies Monthly Medal
Viv Caley won the Silver A Division (handicap 0-14) in the inaugural Ladies Monthly Medal, sponsored by JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, at the Emirates Golf Club.
Caley finished with a net 72, having also won the best gross prize with a score of 80. Catherine Clark was adjudged runner-up.
Silver B Division (15-23 hcp) saw Han-Soon Shin take first place with a net 72 with Maura Duggan (74) second. In Bronze division (24- 42), Maggie Neil claimed victory with a fantastic round of net 69.
Another edition of Future Falcons all set to go
Troon Golf Abu Dhabi has launched its 2014 Future Falcons junior coaching programme which begins from January 26. The eight-week- long programme will focus on fundamental golf skills.
For more, information or to sign-up, please contact: PJ Van March on 02 557 8000 or email [email protected].
Montgomerie to host ‘G’Day Dubai Golf Day’
The Montgomerie Golf Club will host a ‘G’Day Dubai Golf Day’ tomorrow, the first of a three-event series for this year. The event will tee-off at 07:00 with lunch scheduled for 12:00 with tickets priced at Dh600 per head.
For ticket information please visit www.abcduae.com.
