(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The successful conclusion of the maiden European Tour event - NBO Oman Open – in Oman at the Al Mouj Golf on Sunday has set the ball rolling for Muscat to emerge as an ideal off-season golf destination in the future for European players.
In his exclusive remarks to Muscat Daily, PGA European Tour Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Pelley said, 'The European Tour debut in Oman has been terrific. We started our relationship with the Challenge Tour and graduated into the European Tour. And it has been an outstanding success.
'Oman truly is a hidden gem, I did not know till my visit this time. It offers all a top pro golfer would like to have during the off-season. The weather is perfect, people are hospitable and most importantly, the Al Mouj golf course is the just amazing. All these make Oman an ideal golf destination.'
Pelley said that the NBO Oman Open showcased Oman's potential to a great extent and said that the participating players were all praise for the venue and the hospitality. 'The course has been something that has been liked by all the players and coming from the players, it means a lot,' he said Pelley said that 'with the winter weather conditions in Europe making it difficult for lot of pros, Oman can serve as a wonderful host during those months.'
'I spoke to most of the players and they were unanimous in giving thumbs up to Oman. I think with such a positive feedback, European Tour is looking forward to a stronger relationship with NBO in future.
'We wish to make this tournament bigger and bigger in the years ahead,' said the 54 year old Canadian. A former president of The Sports Network (TSN), Pelley took over as the Commissioner and CEO of the PGA European Tour in 2015.
France's Julien Guerrier, who came third at the NBO Oman Open, tees off on the ninth hole at Al Mouj Golf on Sunday
'Middle East has more scope to expand'
Pelley said that despite European Tour events in UAE, Qatar and Oman, the Middle East region provides a much bigger scope to expand.
'There are still not enough tournaments in the region and our aspirations are to try out new places and Jordan is emerging destination,' he said.
The US$1.75mn NBO Oman Open was won by Joost Luiten of the Netherlands on Sunday.
According to European Tour - Middle East director, Nick Tarrat, the tournament was broadcast around the world with a global household television reach of 400mn, with viewers being presented with stunning visuals of the Greg Norman-designed Al Mouj Golf in its picturesque coastal setting alongside the sea.
The tournament itself saw over 3,000 spectators, players, staff and officials descend upon Muscat with expenditure on flights, accommodation, restaurants reaching in the region of US$5mn. 'The economic impact is estimated to reach over US$20mn,' said Tarrat
Players praise Al Mouj course
The tournament received plaudits from stars of the European Tour, with the likes of Ryder Cup players Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan, along with many others, confirming Oman and Al Mouj Golf as one of world golf's hidden gems.
NBO Oman Open champion Luiten said, 'It's a great technical golf course and it was beyond my expectation... to hold the trophy is even better.'
Commenting on the beauty of the links-style course, four-time European Tour winner Sullivan said, 'I think every player has been raving about it this week.'
'It's a great course, very picturesque and there are a lot of strong holes out there. You've got to hit a lot of good shots out there. I don't think the scoring as low as everyone was expecting. It's just a great golf course.'
NBO Oman Open runner-up Wood said, 'I'm really surprised by the course here, it's probably one of the best desert courses you'll see – although you say desert course but it's on the sea.
'It's a bit of a mix between a links and a desert course. The design is really good and there are so many players saying the same things.
'It's in perfect condition, the practice facilities are awesome to so I'm really pleasantly surprised.'
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