Abu Dhabi: As 126 of the world’s best women golf professionals prepare to compete in the inaugural Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open (FBMLO), the host venue, Gary Player’s Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, launched an interactive #WomenOnCourse campaign on Tuesday.
The #WomenOnCourse initiative will continue throughout the tournament between Wednesday and Saturday and players, spectators and the Abu Dhabi community are being urged to show their support. It is attempting to inspire a generation by showcasing the many and diverse roles women play across all walks of life.
Clinton Norris, Sales Manager, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, said: “It is important we use this fantastic event to celebrate the major roles women play in our community and society at large. Our campaign is designed to support the Ladies European Tour and get people thinking and sharing their thoughts, whatever their gender, age, ethnicity, so we can all appreciate and openly share how we are inspired by those we know and admire.”
The #WomenOnCourse activities kicked off with a discussion between LET professionals Mel Reid and Camilla Lennarth and two Emirati women Sarah Al Nowais, founder of FitNut Blog and co-founder of TheADmovement, and Fatima Al Ali of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy. They shared their ideas on what makes women great and their thoughts about being ‘on course’, both in a literal golf sense and in life.
Lennarth said: “Whether it’s to win a tournament this season or achieve a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle, setting goals and check-points is integral to staying on course. What makes women great is their ability to empower one another and support their peers throughout these journeys. Being here in Abu Dhabi is a great opportunity to showcase golf and inspire the next generation.”
“TheADmovement was created to support and encourage women in Abu Dhabi to participate in an active lifestyle and sports,” Al Nowais added. “Seeing all these women here at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, taking part in the first ladies’ professional golf tournament in Abu Dhabi, has really inspired me to try golf and I hope that other women take the chance to visit during the event weekend.”
On Monday evening, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club hosted a clinic for 16 students from the Higher Colleges of Technology.
Leading up to the FMBLO, the club, in collaboration with the FBMA, has hosted a training programme – offering Emirati women and students a series of 10 lessons over a five-week period.
Fatima Al Ali, one student who took part, said: “I really love golf now that I’ve taken part in the sessions and it’s so exciting to meet some of the world’s best players here in Abu Dhabi.”
Visit @SaadiyatBeachGC on Twitter and @SaadiyatBeachGolfClub on Facebook to get involved in the #WomenonCourse campaign.
