AR
By Kent Gray
Free Kingdom-wide lessons, the development of a special needs programme, a schools’ championship and a kids golf art competition were key features of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural ‘National Golf Week’.
The Jan. 30-Feb-6 Golf Saudi initiative ran in parallel with the Asian Tour’s new, $5 million season-opening PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
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 saw the Kingdom’s 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.”
More than 350 people signed up for free lessons at Royal Greens and Dirab Golf Club while group and Individual lessons were also taught at Saffa Golf Club.
Golf Saudi also announced its membership of the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA), as part of its efforts to make the game fully inclusive.
Other activations at Royal Greens GCC included the “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”. More than 600 students visited the Saudi International tournament village as part of school trips.
As well as encouraging school children to give the game a try, National Golf Week was also targeted at adults of all abilities.
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“At Golf Saudi, we endorse encouraging as many Saudis as possible to get involved in not just golf but other sports too,” said Majed Al Sorour, Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation and CEO of Golf Saudi.
“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.”
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.”
