Dubai: Ahmad Al Musharrekh, the hero of UAE's golden haul in golf in the ongoing Arab Games, has set his priorities clear when it comes to balancing between his career and academics.
"I want to finish my studies with the American University, but at the same time, would like to win as many honours for the country as possible," said Al Musharrekh, who returned along with the rest of the victorious squad on Saturday night.
Speaking to Gulf News, Al Musharrekh, who showed nerves of steel to win the individual gold in a play-off which went a long way in ensuring the team title, said he always had a chance against Bahrain's Hamad Mubarak on the final day.
Tremendous rally
Starting the day at 11-over-par, a good five shots behind leader Mubarak, Al Musharrekh staged a tremendous rally to end the round at par with the Bahraini star.
In the play-off, the UAE golfer parred the par-five on the 18th hole while Mubarak finished with a double bogey after landing in the water.
"I have played against him in one-on-one situation before in the GCC Championship. As I was in second spot in the leaderboard, I felt I always had a chance, and I am happy that I could deliver when it mattered the most, to bring the honours for the UAE," he said.
Having already made his mark in the regional championships over the last two seasons, there is an air of anticipation about Musharrekh finally breaking into the next level and turn pro. "I may try for the Q-School next year, but am not really sure about it. I still have two-and-a-half years of curriculum left and would like to finish it before going further," he said.
Both he and Khalid Yousuf, the other leading amateur of the UAE, had to miss out the opening Mena Tour this year due to other national commitments, but Musharrekh plans to make good next season.
Praise for squad
"There are a lot of great players on the Tour and it gives us a good opportunity. I would certainly like to give it a shot next year," he said. Meanwhile, Chris Vallender, the national coach of the team, was full of praise for the squad.
"The boys were just great. They showed great strength of character in getting the job done in such superb fashion, Two golf medals in one event certainly augurs well for the game in the country. This performance will certainly add to their confidence," he added.
Saeed Al Budoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, said: "The boys have done the country proud. Hard work and intense training has paid off. Their performance will certainly inspire and motivate all young Emiratis who are enrolled with the National Junior Programme. "This is the first time we have won not one, but two gold medals in the Arab Games. We are absolutely delighted with the way they handled the pressure. Every member of the team deserved to be applauded, especially Ahmad who remained consistent during the event."
