Dubai: Maha Haddioui, the only Arab player at this week’s Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, says staging more women’s golf tournaments in the Middle East is helping to change people’s perceptions of the region.
The Ladies Masters at Emirates Golf Club, which tees off on Wednesday, is now in its 11th year on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and was joined this season by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, and the Qatar Ladies Open at Doha Golf Club.
There is also the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco that has been running since 1993, but only became part of the LET seven years ago. As yet there is yet to be a Middle Eastern event on the LPGA calendar.
“I think a lot of people think differently of the region we’re in,” said the 28-year-old Moroccan. “And I think organising women’s events in any sport, is a good thing.
“You come here and we just feel like it could be anywhere; you could be in the US and it would feel exactly the same, and a lot of people don’t know that.
“It also sends out a statement that the region has really opened up and is doing as much for the women as it is for the men.
“We’re having a lot of tournaments in the Middle East now,” she added. “And that’s something I’m really happy and proud of.
“I think it’s a region that has a lot to offer women’s golf, and women’s golf has a lot to offer the region, so it’s a good thing.
“Morocco and Dubai were the first to do it. They have set a tradition of doing women’s tournaments and it’s had a positive impact on other countries that are now doing it.”
As the only Arab player playing on tour she also said her own participation was important.
“When you have a tournament and it’s only westerners playing, maybe young girls will not identify with it as much as they would with me. I’m from Morocco and I grew up in Morocco, and if I can do it, they can do it, too. I want to be an example of what an Arab woman in a modern country can do.
“I used to feel pressure thinking I have to do well this week because I’m the only Arab playing in an Arab country, but I don’t feel that as much now. I think I just got used to it, and I try to look at the positive things.”
Haddioui got her best result of the season in Abu Dhabi finishing tied for 14th and said playing in Arab country had its benefits.
“There’s something about it, being the only Arab player you almost feel on home soil. It’s a pleasure for me to be here and I know people are looking out for me.
“I meet the same people all the time, and even in new tournaments like Qatar and Abu Dhabi, I was greeted differently being the only Arab. It’s something really nice. It’s like a home tournament without the pressure of a home tournament.”
