Dubai: Morocco’s Feycal Serghini and Ahmad Marjane will look to replicate their Mena Golf Tour (MGT) form at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic next week.
Serghini was the highest-ranked Arab in last year’s MGT professional Order of Merit standings, winning the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation Award, with two podium finishes over last year’s nine-stage series.
Meanwhile, Marjane finished second after becoming the first Arab to win an MGT event with victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Classic.
A three-time MGT event runner-up, Serghini said playing in a European Tour event would be a great way to gain world rankings points, while letting the world know the region has talent.
“I think we’re getting there and it’s just a matter of time to see an Arab player playing on one of the main tours,” said the 38-year-old Casablancan native who, along with Marjane, will join an all-star cast led by World No 1 Rory McIlroy, second-ranked Henrik Stenson and defending champion Stephen Gallacher from January 29 to February 1.
“Playing alongside such a top-class field, it doesn’t get any better. I have been down this route before — and know what to expect,” said Serghini, who will be making his fourth appearance in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
“With three seconds and a string of top-10 finishes, I have had reasonable success on the MGT since its inception in 2011 and if I can carry the same form into the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, I can expect a good result. I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I will definitely try and give my best shot and see where that leaves me.”
Meanwhile, Marjane’s first MGT victory paved the way to a wealth of playing opportunities for the 22-year-old. He was invited to play in the King’s Cup in Thailand, where he shot 77 and 67, before featuring in the Asian Tour’s seasoning-ending Dubai Open last year, where he shot 82 and 78.
“The MGT has been the catalyst for putting Arab golf on the international sporting map. People now know we play golf and we are good at it,” said Marjane, who turned professional after winning the MGT amateur Order of Merit in 2011.
Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, vice-chairman and CEO of Golf in Dubai, said: “It’s nice to see a mind-set change among the region’s players. They are more focused and working hard to find the next level. There were days, not so long ago, when Arab golfers would compete with a just-to-gain-experience attitude. Today, they are hungry for success and that positive thinking bodes well for the game in the region. Somewhere down the line, the MGT has done its bit to add springs to their enthusiasm.
“A good result for Faycal and Ahmad will be a good advertisement for golf in the region and Morocco in particular, which has always been at the forefront of pushing golf to a new level. The region needs to embrace the country’s passion for golf and grow its future.”
