Oman's first links-style golf course gets ready

Al Mouj Golf, one of the Middle East’s flagship golf courses, designed by Greg Norman, is completing its final touches ahead of the 2019 Oman Open, which takes place from February 28^th to 3^rd March. 

The tournament, which is scheduled to be televised on Sky Sports and will be held in Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s lifestyle and leisure destination, is the 7^th European Tour event of the calendar year. Offering exemplary golf facilities and exceptional championship course conditions, Oman’s headline golfing destination welcomes an exciting field that includes defending champion Joost Luiten, Ryder Cup star, Chris Wood and Austrian favourite, Bernd Weisberger. The star-studded line-up will battle it out on the magnificent Sea of Oman coast for the coveted prize of USD$1.75 million.

Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the European Tour back to Al Mouj Golf, after its successful inauguration last year. The overwhelmingly positive reaction to last year’s event and the recent interest in the 2019 Oman Open by players is testament to the quality and individuality of the layout and its surrounding environment. I have no doubt that the 2019 Oman Open, which showcases Oman in all its glory, will strengthen its position in the world, as a beautiful destination for tourists and investors.”

Along a two-kilometre stretch of pristine coastline, flanking the Indian Ocean and with the stunning Hajjar mountain range in the background, lies a striking oasis of lush green grass, accented with bunkers, water hazards and natural dunes. At 7,342-yards, the 18-hole Championship Course at Al Mouj Golf Club is Oman’s first links style course offering amateurs and professionals a challenging yet rewarding game of golf. Complementing the Greg Norman-designed championship course are world-class facilities including a teaching academy and floodlit driving range, a floodlit par-3 nine-hole course, a fully-equipped Pro-shop, and a restaurant to complete the experience.

Last year, the world-class golf venue which recently won the 2019 IAGTO Sustainability Award for Community value, drew rave reviews from the European Tour’s elite players, confirming Al Mouj Golf as one of the world’s golfing gems. Chris Wood, who narrowly missed out on the title, was not short of praise for the European Tour destination, saying: “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 and the practice facilities are awesome too.”

Eddie Pepperell also commented: ‘‘Al Mouj is a must play if you’re ever in Oman. I’d say it’s the best course I’ve played in the Middle East.’’

This year, the competitors will be welcomed at the brand-new Oman International Airport and will revel in the warm and luxurious Omani hospitality of the Kempinski Hotel, comprising 310 comfortable and welcoming rooms and suites, state-of-the-art facilities, world-class restaurants and bars, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

Keith Pelley, CEO of the European Tour, said: “The European Tour is delighted to see the great development of golf in Oman since the first Challenge Tour event in 2013. The 2018 Oman Open has been a terrific tournament, praised by our players, who are eager to come back this year to the incredible Al Mouj Golf course and the amazing Sultanate of Oman. It is wonderful to see so many additional sponsors supporting the event. The players will love the new Official Hotel and will be very impressed by the new Muscat International Airport. The European Tour is committed to the Oman Open and we see great potential in the event for years to come.”

The sultanate’s largest professional sporting event promises to be a memorable social affair for golfers and non-golfers alike, with a plethora of exciting activities and food and beverage stalls to complement the first-class golf that will be on show.

For more information on Al Mouj, visit: www.almouj.com

For Al Mouj Golf, please visit www.almoujgolf.com