Azzan to spearhead Oman's challenge at GCC golf championships in Doha

Muscat: Oman’s top golfer Azzan Al Rumhy will spearhead Oman's challenge at the GCC Men’s Golf Championship 2016 to be organised at Doha Golf Club in the Qatari capital city from March 2 to 5.
The region's premier golf championships will be played in two categories – the men’s competition and the Under-18 boys event.
Azzan, the most experienced player in Oman team, will be the main attraction for the Sultanate in the men's event, while he will be joined in that category by teammates Hamed Al Rumhy and Yousuf Al Balushi.
Oman Golf Committee (OGC) is considering Ahmed Al Balushi’s name as the fourth member of the team. His participation will be finalised soon.
This will be the first time Oman team will be missing the services of veteran golfer Ali Hameed, who has retired from the national team just few months ago.
A spirited Azzan, who is participating in the tournament for last five years said: “I am looking forward to the tournament. I have played on this course many times. But it’s a very long and challenging golf course especially if we play off the black tees!
"Still I have had some good rounds there and look forward to finish in the top five in the individual category.”
Azzan is confident of good show in Doha and wants to focus on specialised practice.
“We need to practice hard during the two remaining weeks before the event to make up some of our missed practice sessions this year.”
Oman will be fielding a strong side in the U-18 category as well, to be represented by the combination of Rashad Al Harthy, Fahad Al Kitani and Hamood Al Harthy. The trio finished second in the last year’s U-18 event in Kuwait.
Azzan also spoke highly about the trio.
“They are the main contenders of the U-18 title. I can see a podium finish for our young guns,” he said.
The Omani contingent will set off for Doha on February 29.
Mundhir Al Barwani, the Chairman of the OGC, gave the players’ a big thumbs-up, saying: “Another big competition is round the corner and we are hopeful of our players doing well in Doha.
"We are expecting some tough competition in the GCC meet. But I am sure that our players, both in the men's and U-18 categories, will bring good returns.”
Al Barwani pointed out that he is hopeful the men's team will live up to the expectations.
“We have good players like Azzan in the side, which naturally gives us the confidence that we can hope for a good show at yet another GCC-level tournament,” he said.
Ahmed Al Jhdhamy, the vice-chairman of the OGC, wished the Omani contingent the very best, saying: “There’s going to be some tough competition and some really good action in Doha. We have full faith in our players. There’s a lot to look forward to in both the categories.”