Sharif to lead UAE team at Soma Bay

Experienced golfer Ismail Sharif will head a four-member team to the Pan-Arab Individual Golf Championship to be held in Egypt this month.

Despite being involved with end of year examinations, the members of the UAE squad are trying to fit in as much practice as possible before they depart for the tournament to be held at this Egyptian resort between June 26-29.

With Sharif as the team captain, the other members of the squad include Faris Al Mazrui, Rashid Alabbar and promising lady golfer, Eida Muhairbi.

For the UAE skipper, this will be a third straight appearance at this competition at the same venue.

"It's definitely a high standard of competition out there during the tournament," Sharif observed.

"It's such a fine course to play on. But what makes it even more challenging is that we get to play against some of the best golfers from the region," Sharif noted.

The undulating course designed by golfing legend Gary Player by the Red Sea is a personal favourite with Sharif. "It is windy most of the time, but it's such a pleasure to play on it," Sharif said.

"Unfortunately, I have not been able to get as much practice as I would have loved to before going for a competition like this. But I believe we have a strong entry through Faris and Rashid and Eida in the ladies section," the UAE skipper noted.

"For Faris and myself, it will be yet another challenge as we've both played at Soma Bay last year. It will be something new for Rashid and Eida as this will be their first time there," Sharif stated.

"For all the preparations the other members of the team have been putting in, I think we stand a good chance to come up with some fine results.

Meanwhile, the official UAE team won't be the only representatives from the country as a small band of golfing enthusiasts is also planning to make the trip.

In all probability, UAE national golfers like Abdullah Al Thani, Adel Zarouni and Jamal Al Mana are expected to figure during the competition at Soma Bay.