By Kent Gray
Free Kingdom-wide lessons, the development of a special needs programme, a schools’ championship and even a kids golf art competition will be key features of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural ‘National Golf Week’ early next year.

The Jan. 30-Feb-6 Golf Saudi initiative will run in parallel with the $5 million Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club from Feb. 3-6. The Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers is the new season-opening and “flagship” event for the Asian Tour season after the three previous editions were sanctioned by the European Tour.

As part of Golf Saudi’s Mass Participation programme, itself a key tenant of the Kingdom’s ‘Vision 2030’ socio-economic agenda, National Golf Week will see “all golf courses and facilities” supplied with the “equipment needed to engage with new and existing audiences, enabling them to experience exciting activities across a range of locations.”

Golf Saudi is also working with the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) to develop a programme, which will be launched at the 2022 Saudi International with the intention of making the game fully inclusive.

Other activations at Royal Greens GCC during the Saudi International include a “takeover on the famous 16th hole by school children”, plus the display of art printed on course boarding which will be” visible to the world of golf”.

“We are already very excited about this great initiative and I hope it lasts for years to come,” said Majed Al Sorour, Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation and CEO of Golf Saudi.

Golf Saudi’s ‘National-Golf-Week’ will encourage children to give the game a try and is also open to adults of all abilities with the promise of free lessons.

“At Golf Saudi, we endorse encouraging as many Saudis as possible to get involved in not just golf but other sports too. As both a physical and mental activity, golf is a great way to build confidence and playing with others can play an important role in helping to build an active and fun social life.”

“Our inaugural National Golf Week will support our Vision 2030 goals in terms of encouraging as many Saudis as possible to get active, regardless of their age, gender or how good they are at golf. We at Golf Saudi want to celebrate the golfing achievements of all those who take part next February.”

Bouchaib El Jadiani, Head of Mass Participation & National Teams at Golf Saudi, said: “Heading-up Golf Saudi’s Mass Participation programme, I know first-hand the positive impact that golf can play in the lives of young Saudis.

“No place is this clearer than in my additional role with the Saudi National Teams, where each weekend I am lucky enough to see these young Saudi men and women not only compete in international tournaments but also enjoy themselves as golf gives them the opportunity to develop, learn and compete. That is why schemes such as National Golf Week are so important in terms of bringing this great game to the people of Saudi Arabia.”