Yasin Ali, one of the most consistent performers on the MENA Golf Tour, firmly believes that the three-year-old tour is just what the region needs to develop new talent and will fuel the growth of the game further in the near future.
The experienced Englishman, who has featured in all but two events on the MENA Golf Tour (MGT) since its inception in 2011, is a former regular on the Asian Tour, and was one of the first winners of the Faldo Golf Series and England Under-16 champion.
The 32-year-old Yasin, who has played golf all around the globe, feels it is time international federations and tours recognised the MENA Golf Tour and gave incentives to some of the top players.
“It is a fantastic tour and has everything ranging from good weather to good fields and stops in great cities. This region boasts so many great courses that it would have really been a shame if it did not have its own tour,” he said.
“The tour has forged its own unique identity on the golfing map. And I personally feel it’s time for organisers of all international tournaments in the region to create space for the MENA Golf Tour by offering its members some spots in the main draw. It would be a natural progression for the tour.
“That’s how we can create more meaningful playing opportunities for the regional players and that’s how the game develops.”
Yasin will be part of a full-field Dubai Creek Open, which kickstarts the second leg of the MENA Golf Tour season, from September 15.
“I have no clue about what the (MGT) management have in their mind or in which direction they intend to take the tour, but from a player’s perspective, I believe these are exciting times for golf in this region and the growth of the MENA Golf Tour will only add to this increased interest and broaden the appeal for the game,” he added.
“One of the major reasons for the success of the MENA Golf Tour is the Omega Dubai Desert Classic spots that are offered to the top three professionals and the leading amateurs on their respective orders of merit. It is that carrot we are all after. The Desert Classic is one of the best, if not the best event on the European Tour.”
Yasin has a number of top-10 wins on the MENA Golf Tour, but is yet to win a tournament.
“Golf can be a could-have, should-have; done-this or done-that sport. I have been close, but not close enough to close the deal,” said Yasin, who lost his playing privilege in Asia a couple of years ago after a debilitating forearm injury.
“It’s all a question of getting that first win. When it will happen, I don’t know. All I know is, I just want to progress with my golf after some difficult years,” added Yasin.
Young golfers will have the opportunity to learn the basics of the game from some of the MENA Golf Tour hosts stars during clinics at different clubs.
The ‘Junior Star Clinics’ will be open to all youngsters who want to start playing or want to get better at the game.
“Let’s play golf together in a fun and exciting atmosphere is our message,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the Tour.
The clinic during the Dubai Creek Open will be held at the Driving Range after the first day’s play from 4pm on September 15.
