Pakistan stars look for Mena Golf Tour glory

Leading Pakistani golfers are rubbing their hands in anticipation ahead of the MENA Golf Tour which they believe would provide a great chance to showcase their skills and, hopefully, put Pakistan golf on the map.

Six professionals and one amateur from Pakistan, better known for its vibrant cricketing culture, have already signed for the Tour, which will have a global feel to it with players from over 30 countries contesting for honours.

“We are pretty excited about this new Tour and can’t wait to get started,” enthused Aadil Jehangir, one of the professionals from Lahore. “The money is good, the field is good and, more importantly, the top three on the Order of Merit will get a chance to play in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

“And that’s a huge bonus. Every golfer worth his salt knows how big and prestigious the Omega Dubai Desert Classic tournament is, and playing in that would be a great honour,” said Jehangir, echoing the feelings of his fellow golfers.

“We are professionals and would love to play any tournament, but this MENA Golf Tour is special in the sense that it’s brand new tour and, hence, would be keenly followed by golf enthusiasts all the world.

“Exposure to the Tour will certainly go a long way in honing our competitive edge and take our golf to a new level. We understand that the Tour will have more events next year and that, I am sure, will substantially enhance the careers of its members,” said the 26-year-old who turned professional last year.

Jehangir, who at present plays on the Asian Tour, will be joined by fellow golfers Shahid Mutaza Javed, Amin Rahman, Matloob Ahmed, Shafiq Masih, Danyall Jehangir and Mohammed Khan (amateur) – all from Lahore - in the line-up for the Tour events.

“We have the game and the temperament to compete at this level and, if things go our way, it would be no surprise to see a Pakistan golfer competing at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic next year,” said Jehangir, who shot a sizzling 11-under-par 61 recently at the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club.

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, said: “It’s nice to see the tour also creating a buzz in countries which are traditionally not that strong in golf. With this Tour we aim to provide them with a competitive environment where they can make their presence felt.

“I am sure there will be a lot of good talent in Pakistan. What they need is regular exposures to high-class competitions to develop their golf. I wish them the very best and hope they all have a wonderful stay in the UAE.”

The MENA Golf Tour, boasting a combined prize fund of $225,000, is open to both professionals and amateurs from any part of the world.

The first event will be held at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club from September 25 to 28 while the second and third event will be played from October 2 to 5 and October 9 to 12 at the Tower Links Golf in Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai’s Al Badia Golf Club respectively before the tour reaches its climax with the ‘Tour Championship’ to be held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf from October 16 to 19.

The top three professionals and the leading amateur from the Order of Merit will receive special invitations to compete in the 2012 Omega Dubai Desert Classic and, possibly, other European Tour events in the region.

Interested players may visit the tour website – https://www.menagolftour.com – for more details and registration.



 

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