The 31st Arab Golf Championships begins on September 14th and golfers from Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Bahrain, Syria... and Morroco... will compete at the Robert Trent Jones designed golf venue in Men's, Women's and Junior categories.
The Arab Spring brought a wave of protests and demonstrations to cities and towns across the Middle East and North Africa.. and unrest continues in many places. There's a new sense of pride and empowerment in many parts of the region... but also a sense that the upheaval will continue for some time to come. Some sporting events in the Middle East have even been canceled, so it's testament to the dedication of athletes, organizers and sponsors that this... and other golf events... are taking place as scheduled.
The UAE contingent will also include the Dr. Rabab Al Haj... a physician at Dubai Hospital... who'll be competing for individual honors in the women’s category.
Along with fellow Emeraiti golfer Eida Al Mehairbi, Dr. Al Haj made history at last year's Arab Golf Championships forming the UAE's first women's team to compete in the event.
The standard of the golfers and golf facilities in the Middle East has risen substantially over the past decade. The fact that the game will return to the Olympics in 2016... as well as the announcement of the new MENA Golf Tour.... ensures that the game will continue to grow in the years to come.
I've heard some great things about that course. It's said to be one of the best in the Mideast - Africa region. Do you know why they stopped holding the Hassan II Trophy there?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the Hassan II Trophy, it's been going on for 40 years with the exception of 1986-90, 2004 and 2009. Its really interesting to look at the winners over that time. From 71-85, 13 out of 15 winners were from the US. From 91-2011 4 out of 19 winners were from the US. The only US winner since 2000: the inspiring Eric Compton in 2005.
ReplyDeleteThe outfits are so interesting. I've seen photos of women in the Arab world wearing black burka-type outfits for golf, which is kind of scary looking and seems impractical. The outfits these gals are wearing look like they'd be easy to play in, great for sun and sandstorm protection and I think they're quite stylish.
ReplyDeleteSuppose they'd be required to pull a Tommy "Two Gloves"?
ReplyDeleteI recently played at the Royal Selangor course in Malaysia and the caddies (all women) were all in white burkas, without the face mask though. We were dying in the humidity and they didn't even break a sweat.
ReplyDeleteHi. I admit it. I have not kept in touch. I know you're busy with many things. Just said hi to "junior." Hope you are well. I promise to do a better job. Call it a pre 2012 resolution. :)
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