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Othman Almulla will tee it up in his third Eisenhower Trophy this week but the fun is only beginning.
By Kent Gray
As Saudi Arabia’s leading amateur for more than a decade, Othman Almulla has known his share of golfing highs.
How about qualifying for the 2007 Omega Dubai Desert Classic as a 20-year-old, an unforgettable experience transformed into the surreal when he got to meet Tiger Woods. Almulla also played the 2008 Qatar Masters by winning the Qatar amateur and made a third European Tour appearance via an invite to the 2010 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship before heading off to university in Houston.
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This week the now 32-year-old from Dhahran in Saudi’s eastern province will proudly represent his country in a third and potentially final Eisenhower Trophy. It doesn’t get any better than teeing it up in the world amateur teams championship except for Almulla, it really does. Regardless of how he fares at Carton House G.C. in Ireland from September 4-8, the fun is only just beginning in what is easily the most exciting period for the game in the Kingdom.
Almulla isn’t a confirmed starter yet but given the service to his country’s golf emergence, you suspect he will be among the field for Saudi’s European Tour bow at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club from Jan. 31- Feb.3. There he will rub shoulders with world No.1 Dustin Johnson and Masters champion Patrick Reed who have already committed to the event. Almulla has already savoured playing alongside Ernie Els and Ladies European Tour star Amy Boulden in a promotional event to unveil Saudi’s inclusion in the Desert Swing rota, a press op also headlined by the cult figure that is Andrew “Beef” Johnson.
“I’ve had an amazing ride these last 15 years and I’m over the moon about the Saudi Event in January,“ Almulla said. “I can’t wait to share my country with everyone who comes to visit, either to play in the event or to watch, as well as everyone watching it on TV. I don’t know if I’ll get a start yet but hopefully if I do, I’ll do my best to represent Saudi.”
For proof of Almulla’s dedication to doing the Saudi Golf Federation proud, you need only follow the +3-handicapper on social media where he keeps followers regularly updated on his progress, often from Rolling Hills G.C. as this post highlights:
Almulla is coached by MENA Tour life member Zane Scotland and built up to Ireland with a camp at Scotland’s academy with Saudi team-mates Khalid Attieh, and Ali Alsakha ahead of the Eisenhower. The trio will look to climb above the 64th (of 70) and 55th (of 65) placings Almulla helped achieved in his two previous world teams championships in 2006 and 2008 at Stellenbosch and Adelaide respectively.
After Ireland, Almulla will tee it up in the European Challenge Tour’s Kazakhstan Open (Sept. 13-16) and the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Singapore (Oct 4-7) before returning to MENA Tour action.
“The Mena Tour has been incredible for golf in the region by giving the local players so many opportunities to play against world-class professionals,” Almulla said. “I can’t wait for it to start back up again. I think the tour is a valuable asset to prepare our players to try and jump into the professional ranks.”
Which begs the next question. Could we see you playing for cash at the Saudi European Tour debut?
“I certainly still dream of turning professional and I’m working hard towards realising that goal. I’m planning to play out this season and then evaluate things at the end of the year and progress from there.”
The giddy journey continues.
