Oman Golf Committee making efforts to establish golf course in Sohar

Muscat: In an unprecedented development, the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) organised a meeting with over 25 top executive managers from the Sohar Industrial Area, Freezone and Port to discuss a proposal to establish a golf course in Sohar and the benefits of having such a facility in the region.
The meeting, sponsored by Sohar Aluminium, was held at the Crowne Plaza in Sohar.
During the meeting, Sohar Aluminium CEO Said Al Masoudi highlighted the long-term benefits of having such a facility in the area before introducing OGC chief Mundhir Al Barwani to the audience.
Mundhir Al Barwani, in speech, said: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the sponsors for supporting such a brainstorming session.”
After which, the OGC chairman gave a presentation on the overall golf development in Oman and the boundless opportunities for operating a golf course in Sohar.
The idea was well received by the attendees, who appreciated the long-term vision of this facility. This was followed by an in depth discussion on to how to build the course, the number of holes it should have, the area it should span, course-management procedures, watering of the greens, whether it will start functioning as a 9-hole course or an 18-hole.
The members favourably agreed to set up a steering committee that will look into the viability of this proposal and its various aspects to maximise its value to the region.
The steering committee comprises OGC Chairman Mundhir Al Barwani, Port of Sohar CEO Andre Toet, C. Steinweg Oman CEO Arie Koppelaar, Sohar Aluminium Power Plant Manager James McDonough and Majis Industrial Services Planning and Projects Manager Dr. Salim Ali Al Mamari.
After the meeting, OGC chief Al Barwani expressed his satisfaction that the objective of the gathering has been achieved.
He said: “OGC has been planning to kick off this discussion for some time now and I am happy with the positive feedback and outcome of this meeting. In my view we have achieved the objective of the meeting and OGC will endeavour to proceed with the project as agreed.”
“There are a lot people in Sohar who are interested to play golf regularly. At this point, they visit Muscat which provides good facilities. Building a golf course in Sohar, will encourage more people to take up the sport and embed it in the Oman sporting culture.”
Ahmed Al Jhdhamy, the vice-chairman of the OGC, said: “We are looking forward to some positive results from this initiative. We are here to develop golf in Oman and we want to spread the game to all corners of the country. The Sultanate currently has four established golf courses: Muscat Hills, Almouj Golf, Ghala Golf Club and Ras Al Hamra Golf Club. With the support of Sohar Industries, I hope we will establish a course in Sohar soon.”