(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman's leading amateur, Azaan Al Rumhy, aims on being ably supported by his brother, Hamed, and father, Dr. Mohammed Al Rumhy, the Sultanate's Minister for Oil and Gas, both avid golfers themselves who will share caddying duties for the 33 year old during the opening two rounds of the NBO Oman Open.
Azaan, a tournament invitee, was crowned Oman's top player when he won the NBO Omani Amateur Final during last year's NBO golf Classic Grand Final, the closing event on the European Challenge Tour schedule. Now he's heading back to Al Mouj Golf, as the event makes its debut on the European Tour from February 15-18, where he is preparing to rub shoulders with past Ryder Cup legends, Major champions and leading players from around the world.
'I am very excited at the opportunity of playing with so many world-class players and I can't wait to tee it up in this great event,' said Azaan. 'I've played on the MENA Tour, the Asian Tour and the European Challenge Tour but never on the European Tour before, so this will be the biggest and most prestigious tournament for me.
'Within the golfing community the tournament has created a real buzz. I have friends who live in the UAE who are also coming to watch the action in Muscat, so it's good that people from outside the country know about the event.
'We had some really good attendances for the NBO Golf Classic as the Grand Final of the European Challenge Tour season and it would be good to see even bigger crowds for the NBO Oman Open.
'The Challenge Tour final really put Oman on the world golf map and the global television coverage of the NBO Oman Open should be a huge boost for golf and for international business in the Sultanate. We are now very close to the highest level of world golf.
'I've got a slight advantage over the European Tour players in that I have played the Greg Norman-designed course numerous times, so I should know my way around. I'm hoping to get my father, Dr. Mohammed, to caddie for me in the opening round and my brother, Hamed, in the next. They are both good golfers and it will be good to have them around.
'I hope the players who compete in the event will really help promote Oman in terms of tourism and as a golf destination, like so many of the Challenge Tour players did when they got to know the Sultanate.
'Oman really is a beautiful country. If the players enjoy the event, hopefully they will let their fellow players know how great it is, so in the future we can entice the world's best to visit us.'
The tournament is sure to be a big social occasion for golf lovers and non-golfers alike with plenty of activities and entertainment for all the family. There will be bouncy castles for the children, free golf lessons, and regular shows from the hilarious Trick Shot Boys who will dazzle the crowds with their jaw dropping skills.
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