Oman for world amateur golf tourney

Oman's National Golf team comprising of a three-man squad will participate in the four-day event of the Eisenhower Trophy of the World Amateur Team Championship to be held from October 4 to 7 in Turkey. The team comprising of Ali Hamid Al Saleh, Mohammed Al Mawali and former national champion Azzan Al Ruhmy and coached by Jay Townsend left for Istanbul yesterday. The Eisenhower Trophy which is held every two years is organised by the International Golf Federation, affiliated to the International Olympic Committee. Named after the former president of the United States of America, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the inaugural tournament was held in 1958. This is the first time the Sultanate of Oman will be participating among a group of 72 countries. "We are proud to represent Oman in this prestigious and historic tournament. The three-man squad are highly committed, motivated and experienced and will perform to the best of their abilities. The OGC and the team are grateful for our sponsors the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Oman Olympic Committee, Golf World Oman and Trowers & Hamlins; as well as individuals who have contributed to make this journey possible-, said Sayyid Arqam Al Busaid, general secretary of Oman Golf Committee (OGC) who will be travelling with the team as the head of the delegation. "The World Amateur Championships will be a fantastic opportunity for the Oman National team to pit their skills against an elite international field. For many years Oman has participated in all around the GCC nations but now this will be the first time they can add a World Amateur event to their resume,- Al Busaid added. "I'm sure the team will represent their country with pride and integrity and deliver the best performance they can over the following week in Turkey. Each player will be offered a phenomenal experience to better their game and improve their abilities as National players. It should be a fantastic event,- he pointed out. Speaking about the championship, Ali Hamid said: "I am honoured to be given this opportunity to participate with my colleagues to represent my country Oman. We have not had enough time to train and prepare for such a world event, however, I am confident in our team's game level that we shall give our best to produce the best scores possible,- he said. Azzan Al Rumhy, the youngest member in the squad said he is excited to take part in the event. "I am excited to be part of a good team to compete at this world stage. I am sure the competition will be the highest I have ever taken part in. I would love to be drawn with some of the top ranked countries to play alongside future professionals on PGA Tour. This is a great opportunity for us to prepare ahead of the Pan Arab Championships to be held in Bahrain in November this year and most important the GCC in Oman in February next year,- added Azzan. From: Times of Oman