Bahrain start favourites, first-time hosts Oman hope to challenge the best — By Sanjay Chakhaiyar — MUSCAT — Hosts Oman hope to upset fancied teams like 15-time champions Bahrain for the top honours at the 17th GCC Golf Championships that gets under way at the Almouj Golf at The Wave Muscat today. The regional championships, being hosted by the Sultanate for the first time, were officially inaugurated by Minister of Sports Affairs Shaikh Saad al Saadi during an impressive opening ceremony yesterday.

Defending champions UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and hosts Oman are the six countries participating in this prestigious three-day tournament. Speaking on the occasion, Al Saadi said: “It is a proud moment for all of us that the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) is hosting the GCC event for the first time. With the holding of such tournament, the level of this game will certainly go up.’’ Oman skipper Azaan al Rumhy will open Oman’s campaign today at 7.40 in the morning followed by Ali Hameed, Mohammed al Mawali and Hamed al Rumhy who all will participate in the first round.

In the juniors category, captain Ahmed al Balushi along with Hamood al Harthy and Rashad al Harthy will tee off at 9.00 am. Oman is also fielding a second junior team, named as a developing squad, comprising of Amjed al Toky, Fahad al Mahrouqi and Fahad al Kitani who will also begin their campaign at the same time in the morning. Oman’s non-playing captain Hussain al Balushi said the Sultanate’s teams had a satisfying preparations for the event.

”Since October 2012 we have been preparing for this championships. We are grateful to Almouj Golf for allowing us to avail all the facilities here,” said Al Balushi. ‘‘The senior championships will be held for three days while the juniors end in two days,” Al Balushi added further.

OGC TARGETS 2020 GAMES
Meanwhile, Oman’s coach Marcus Casey firmly believes that the way things are moving, the days are nor far away when the Sultanate squad will be part of the Olympics. “We have a lot of promising juniors in our teams and I think within the next five to six years and with intensive training they will become world class players.’’ Golf will make its maiden entry into modern Olympics in the 2016 at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. However, the South African is realistic that the path to Olympics is not easy.

‘‘We have a long way to go since as per my knowledge only professionals — that too nearly top 100 world professionals — will be allowed to play in the Olympics,’’ said Marcus. “Currently we have some very talented youngsters like 12-year-old Rashad al Harthy, who truly is one of the most promising talents in the Sultanate. I sincerely aim and hope that Oman finds a place in the 2020 Olympics.’’ “I’m also pleased that the Oman Golf Committee with the help of Ministry of Sports Affairs is doing a lot to develop this sport in the country,’’ said Marcus, who was earlier one of the coaches at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai for nearly two and a half years.

Marcus also said the Omanis are looking forward to some other major golf tournaments which are in the offing and to be played at this Greg Norman-designed golf course this year. “The European Challenge Tour and the MENA (Middle East North Africa Golf Tour) are likely to be held in October and November this year,’’ said Marcus, who took charge of the Oman team four months ago. OGC Chairman Mundhir al Barwani is even more optimistic about Oman’s participation in Olympics.

“I have a vision that if not 2016 at least in 2020 Oman will be taking part in Olympics. To achieve this goal we have to put together a team with a diverse range of skills to ensure we get the best grassroot support to grow interest in golf. We have been providing a lot of encouragement to the youth and are planning for summer training programmes in co-ordination with the Ministry of Sports Affairs.’’

Al Barwani is happy to see that in the recent past there has been a spurt of green grass courses in the Sultanate. “With four green course — the Muscat Hills, Almouj Golf, Ghala Valley Golf Club and the Ras Al Hamra (which is about to become fully green in a few months time), things are looking bright on the golf front,’’ said the OGC chief. “Still we have a long-term goal and will be constantly reviewing the progress to find new talent and provide them with adequate opportunities.’’

Oman senior team: Azaan al Rumhy (captain), Hamed al Rumhy, Ali Hameed, Mohammed al Mawali. Oman junior team: Ahmed al Balushi (captain), Hamood al Harthy and Rashad al Harthy. Oman developing team: Amjed al Toky, Fahad Mahrouqi and Fahad al Kitani.