Dubai: As the first Arab woman to earn full playing status on the Ladies European Tour, Maha Haddioui has set clear targets for herself. And playing in the Olympics would be one of her top goals, according to the 24-year-old Moroccan golfer.
Golf returns to the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil for the first time in more than a 100 years. “I’m really looking forward to this and it’s obviously one of my biggest goals,” Haddioui told XPRESS.
“The important thing is to take as many points on tours – European, LPGA and Asian. The Olympic status just made golf more important than it already is which is great. It’s going to be exciting and I’m focused on getting there,” she added on the sidelines of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters that will be held till December 7.
“I’m looking forward to the tournament (Dubai). It’s a great course and one of the biggest tournaments of the year. It’s nice to be in the tournament and the weather and playing conditions are amazing. I just played the Challenge match with some of the top players which is good for me. It was a bit intimidating, but it was still a great experience and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
Haddioui, who began her golf at 14, benefitted largely during her four-year stay in the US where she studied at the Lynn University in Florida. Other than being the captain of the golf team, she was also elected Golfer of the Year for the state of Florida and Athlete of the Year by Lynn University.
“This is my first season on the tour so it is a little difficult adapting and getting used to being on tour. But I’m just focussed on this tournament and keeping my tour card for next year. My goal for next year is to try and enjoy every single tournament and do my best. I don’t want to be stressed and worry before every tournament. That’s the way to prepare for a tournament.
“I faced that in a few tournaments this year and I was stressed and was under lot of pressure. For next year I will be working on that issue and will try to have fun on the golf course,” said Haddioui, who earned her full playing status last December.
“I played number one for my team (at college) which was a big responsibility and taught me a lot of things. Coming back home after four years in America and playing golf everyday was just perfect,” said Haddioui, who posted a tied 20th at the Ladies French Open – her best finish of the season in 12 starts.
Being the only Arab golfer to play at the professional level, her advice to budding golfers in the region was to enjoy the game and stay focussed. “My main advice for youngsters is try and enjoy it and work hard. They have to make every shot meaningful. The problem is when we go and hit the balls we don’t know why we are doing this, so make it count and have more clarity. Everything happens for a reason and there will be less chances of failure.”
