Ahmed Marjan of Morocco and the UAE’s top golfer Ahmed Al Musharrekh will join a strong line-up at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club from December 9 to 12.
The only two amateurs in the field have been handed special invitations to compete in the $2.5 million European Tour event, promoted and organised by golf in DUBAi, in recognition of their tremendous showing on the regional circuit. They will join European Tour stars such as Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and defending champion Alvaro Quiros in the field.
Morocco’s 18 year old prodigy Marjan topped the MENA Golf Tour Order of Merit for amateurs last year, while Al Musharrekh won a gold medal at the recent Arab Games held in Doha. The rising UAE star was also instrumental in guiding the UAE team to another gold in the team event at the Qatari capital.
Marjan said: “To play in such a tournament which has a massive worldwide appeal is beyond a dream for any emerging player of my age. I can’t believe my luck.
“The MENA Golf Tour has created so many opportunities which we couldn’t think of. It’s up to us how we exploit them. Exposure to this event will certainly be a great learning curve and will help me understand my potential better,” said the young prodigy, who is ranked number one amateur golfer in Morocco.
"I don't feel the pressure. I'm just more motivated to succeed. It will be fun to play alongside big players whom I have watched only on TV.
“Also, I think it's a great opportunity for me to showcase the rising standards of the game in Morocco. It's definitely important for people from other countries to see us and know that we are playing golf.
"I have no intention of turning pro at the moment. I will think about it five or six year later. There are many areas in my game I need to improve and hence I wouldn’t like to make any decision in a hurry.”
UAE’s Al Musharrekh will be making his first appearance in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, and he cannot wait to get started.
“I have grown up seeing top players compete in Dubai. It feels surreal that I will be rubbing shoulders with some of them,” he said.
“Dreams do come true. They have in my case.”
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “The invitations to the two youngsters are part of our tradition to encourage emerging talent from the Arab world. I hope the experience of playing alongside some of the world’s best golfers will boost their confidence and make them better players.
“The UAE players created history in Doha, winning both the gold medals at stake and they do deserve an opportunity to play at this level to hone their competitive edge,” he said.
