Friday 19 / April / 2024
Muscat: Oman’s championship golf course Al Mouj Golf is gearing up to host some of the world’s best professional golfers including Sergio Garcia, Louis Oouisthazen and Joaquin Niemann at The International Series,the elevated series of tournaments on the Asian Tour.
Taking place at the oceanfront course over four days between 9 and 12 February, the Al Mouj Golf event is the first leg of ten events in 2023.
Garcia, Oouisthazen and Niemannare part of an impressive line-up of 132 players entered which includes two winners of major tournaments, a Ryder Cup/President Cup player, and 14 golfers ranked in the World’s top 300 all competing for their share in a total prize fund of $2 million.
Spain’s Garcia has won 36 international tournaments as a professional, most notably the 2017 Masters Tournament whilst South Africa’s Oouisthazen’s titles include the 2010 Open Championship.
He has also finished runner-up in the four major championships of the Masters, the U.S. Open, the 2015 Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.
Other big names include Brooks Koepka of the USA who in October 2018 became world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking for 47 weeks after winning the 2018 CJ Cup. Fellow American Sihwan Kimplays on the European Tour and the Asian Tour, where he has won two titles.
One of the most prominent players is Joaquin Niemann of Chile who has won twice on the PGA Tour and was the number one ranked amateur golfer from May 2017 to April 2018.
Joaquin has reached a career-high 15th in world rankings in April 2022, and has been a top 50 player for more than two years.
Two other players that are ones to watch based on past achievements and current form are Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland and Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe. Vincent has won three times on the Japan Golf Tour and in 2022 he won the International Series England and eventually went on the clinch the victory of being The International Series’ inaugural winner.
McDowell has a record of 11 tournament victories on the European Tour, and four on the PGA Tour, including one major championship, the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani says: “Bringing world-class players to experience Oman for the first time through the international series promises to promote the country across continents, elevating the competitive experience for players on the Asian Tour. Al Mouj Golf, a world-renowned top 100 course, continues to make a significant impact in supporting and driving the country’s sports-tourism sector.”
“With so many incredible players about to arrive in Muscat, excitement is building particularly for golf fans who will have the chance to watch these professionals up close. We invite spectators of all ages to come and experience the competition over the four-day period. Our club will be open to the public during this time and to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, we will provide dedicated transportation to the golf course”
Al Mouj Golf has now received 23 International Awards and welcomes 16,000 golfers and 35,000 guests annually, many more are expected as part of this latest competition. The course is a key asset of Al Mouj Muscat, the Sultanate’s leading leisure and lifestyle destination, and a joint venture between Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Omran, and Tanmia. As Oman’s first Integrated Tourism Complex Al Mouj Muscat has delivered significant socio-economic impact on job creation, development, foreign direct investment, growth in the number of SMEs as well as across the tourism sector.
