Dubai: Mena Golf Tour (MGT) professional, Yasin Ali, wants more playing slots from the Tour in international events in the region to help grow the game locally.
The nine-stage, region-wide, series has been running since 2011, but so far, its best players have only been granted invites to play on one of the region’s many international events — the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Ali hopes more invites into locally-held international events will enable more high profile playing opportunities for MGT players.
“One of the major reasons for the success of the MGT is the Omega Dubai Desert Classic spots that are offered to the top three professionals and the leading amateurs on their respective orders of merit. That’s the carrot we are all after,” said the Englishman, who has featured in all but two MGT events, since 2011.
“But I personally feel it’s time for organisers of all international tournaments in the region to create space for the MGT by offering its members some spots in the main draw,”
“It would be a natural progression for the Tour. That’s how we can create more meaningful playing opportunities for the regional players and that’s how the game is going to develop.”
Despite a string of top-10 finishes, the former England Boy’s captain and Asian Tour regular has never won a MGT event, but he hopes to change that in the forthcoming third round of the current series at the Dubai Creek Open from September 15.
“Golf can be a could-have, should-have, kind of sport. I’ve been close, but not close enough. It’s all a question of getting that first win. When and where it will happen, I don’t know. All I know is, I just want to progress with my golf after some difficult years.
“For emerging youngsters, both professional and amateur, the MGT is the right platform to get to the next level. It gives an opportunity for players like me, to revive our careers, while experienced professionals are taking this route to stay in shape.”
