Dubai: Ahmad Al Musharrekh and Khalid Yousuf will lead the UAE challenge in the three-day Qatar Open Amateur Championship starting today at the Doha Golf Club.
The two top UAE golfers have been selected by the Emirates Golf Federation on the basis of their recent form and achievements to represent the country in the championship that has attracted leading players from the region.
Al Musharrekh, in particular, looks in great form having won the second Downs Syndrome Charity Association (DSCA) Open golf tournament recently at Riyadh by a good four shots and the 19-year-old prodigy kept up the momentum, taking the UAE Nationals Monthly Medal with a career-best round of five-under-par 67.
Good results
Khalid, on the other hand, has already established his credentials as one of the leading players of the region with impressive performances in the GCC and Arab championships.
"I think if we can play to our potential we can achieve some good results in Doha," said Al Musharrekh. "Having played on the regional circuit, I know the standard of the game is pretty high, but we are ready for the challenge," he added.
"Lets not get ahead of ourselves, we will take it one shot at a time and if we are contenting for the title on the back on Saturday [January 9], we will be very happy," a confident Al Musharrekh said.
Saeed Al Budoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, also sounded upbeat ahead of the Doha tournament.
"Both Ahmad and Khalid feature regularly in the regional tournaments and know what to expect. They have the game and temperament to compete at this level of golf and I am sure they will give a good account of themselves. We, at the Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to providing our national players the best possible opportunities to showcase their skills and the Doha trip is part of this drive."
