Dubai: The UAE national golf team has arrived in Melbourne, Australia, for a one-week camp ahead of the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation Team Championship to be held at Denarau in Fiji from August 16 to 19.
Members of the team, comprising Khalid Yousuf, Abdullah Al Musharrekh, Saif Thabet and Ahmad Musharrekh, will be put through their paces both on and off the course under the guidance of UAE national coach Chris Vallender to help them acclimatise to the conditions for the championship, better known as the Nomura Cup.
"The weather conditions in Australia are pretty much similar to the ones in Fiji and it makes sense to play a couple of practice rounds which will help the players hone their competitive edge before the championship in Fiji," said Khalid Mubarak, the non-playing captain of the four-member team.
"The players are in good shape despite a long flight from Dubai and are looking forward to the challenge ahead," he said. "The Nomura Cup is a team event with top three scores of four counting towards the total, hence every player needs to be in top gear.
"All the boys have done very well in the run up the championship. And if they play to their potential, I am sure we can make a mark. Most of the players in the squad have the experience of competing at this level of the game and hence they know what to expect," he added.
Saeed Al Budoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, was equally upbeat about the UAE's team's showing in the championship. "The boys have really worked hard for this championship and the good thing is that they are determined to do well and that's what counts in the end," he said.
"We, at the Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to providing our players every possible opportunity to hone their competitive edge. They are learning with experience and, I am sure, with time they will be a force to be reckoned with on the regional circuit. We need to be patient. I wish them all the best."
Chris Vallendar, coach of the UAE national team, said: "They have everything to gain from this tournament and the experience of rubbing shoulders with some of the finest amateurs will provide a great boost to their confidence."
