Ghala Valley GC goes fully green

Ghala Valley Golf Club Oman's longest standing golf course is now completely green and open to members and visitors according to a press communiqué received here yesterday. His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin As'ad Al Said, chairman, Ghala Valley Golf Club, along with Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, minister for oil & gas declared all 18 holes totally greened and open to public. Originally created, at its current location, as a sand course in 1998, Ghala Valley Golf Club opened the first nine holes of its new grass course in December 2010 and is now a completely green golf course with all 18 holes in grass. His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin As'ad Al Said commented: "This is indeed a historical moment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Sports Affairs, The Ministry of Finance, The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in addition to the Muscat Municipality for their endless support which has made this possible." Mubarak Hill, general manager, Ghala Valley Golf Club commented on this historic announcement, "Today is indeed another landmark in the rich history of Ghala Valley Golf Club. We have always been proud of the achievements of this club that have been possible only because our members and partners have incessantly supported every move forward. The plush golf course that is ready could have never been possible without their dedication – on behalf of the club. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude." What makes this golf course special, apart from its widespread heritage is that it is largely member-driven. This is proven further by the fact that most of the greening project was adopted and completed by Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy with the help of corporate sponsors. Adding to the already impressive list of sponsors, there are a multitude of partners who have assisted in making this project a success.        Built in its own distinct corner of Muscat, at the foot of the Hajar Mountain range, the 18 holes have been designed to complement all of the wadi's natural features, while the lush fairways and greens provide a startling contrast to the rugged desert terrain. The course is a tight valley course which at times can be unforgiving but the average golfer can still yield some great scores. Although a members club, it is open to the general public subject to prior booking and is free for the youth, aged 17 and below making for a perfect ground to develop young talent. To ensure that the media experienced the golf course in all of its might, they were shown around and given special putting lessons by Ghala Valley Golf Club's resident pro – Jay Townsend, of Golf World. Ghala Valley Golf Club is the oldest continuously operated golf club in the Sultanate of Oman, steeped in a rich history of camaraderie and sporting prowess. Throughout its history, the club has consistently aimed to introduce and nurture the sporting talent in Omani nationals and expatriates alike. The Ghala Valley Golf Club commitment to golfing excellence has seen their members consistently awarded in local and regional tournaments. Times Of Oman