Pro-Am event raises the curtain on NBO Golf Classic Grand Final
The unique Omani amateur tournament, in its third year, will see all 45 professionals in the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final captain a Pro-Am team in the exclusive Pro-Am day
MUSCAT: Even as the golf enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the start of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final on Wednesday, the Omani amateurs are looking forward for the Pro-Am Tournament which tees off the activities at the picturesque Almouj Golf on Tuesday.
The unique Omani amateur tournament, which is in its third year, will see all 45 professionals in the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final captain a Pro-Am team in the exclusive Pro-Am day. According to the organisers, the event involves two shotgun starts at 7.30 am and 12.30 pm with teams consisting of one professional and three amateurs.
The amateur tournament gives the participating amateurs the unique opportunity of playing the Championship Course the day before the tournament proper.
Guests from NBO and other sponsors and supporters will compete in these two Pro-Ams. The Pro-Am also gives all 45 players the final opportunity to fine tune their games before the Euros 420,000 total prize-fund tournament kicks off on Wednesday with a tournament first tee time of 8.10 am with the leaders out last at 10.34 am with play in 15 threeballs all from the first tee.
Nick Tarratt, Director of Euro- pean Tour International, Dubai Office, said: “This is a huge week for the Challenge Tour and all 45 players. It can be life changing for everyone involved. So all nerves from the players after a long season are a little raw. However, only the strong will survive and it proves once again the model of the Challenge Tour is working as so many great players have graduated from the Challenge Tour to the European Tour on the world stage over the years.”
There is no cut in this four round 72-hole event with the leaders out last in each round.
12 Omanis in action
Earlier, the organisers revealed that 12 Omani nationals have secured an opportunity to play during the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final and network with some of the best golfers in the world.
In the past two editions, the amateur tournament has seen Azzan Al Rumhy and Fahad Al Kitani take the title in 2015 and 2016 respectively. This year’s tournament sees both former winners taking part in the championship vying for the title.
Alongside them will be a number of top ranked Omani golfers and national players who will be given the opportunity to claim the NBO Amateur Grand Final Trophy. The winner will also be given the opportunity to play in the King Hamed Trophy in Bahrain.