Players will be doing everything possible to avoid the Gulf of Oman during this week’s Oman Open at Al Mouj Golf but the lure of one of the European Tour’s most picturesque water hazards has proven irresistible for Matteo Manassero and Marcel Siem.

The European Tour winners boarded a catamaran from Al Mouj Marina and sailed out to showcase the beauty of the Muscat coastline in a novel nearest-the-pin contest.

You can check out some of the highlights of the challenge at the spectacular Greg Norman-designed layout here:

“That was a fun way to start the week,” said Manassero, a four-time European Tour winner. “This tournament is renowned as being hosted on one of the most beautiful courses that we play on The European Tour, and to have another perspective on the 18th, hitting from the boat, was incredible. I think Marcel may have edged me with the nearest the pin, but hopefully I’ll have my revenge the next few days.”

Siem seemed to enjoy himself too.

“This is my second trip to Oman and the golf course is one of my favourites of the year; the setting, along the coastline, is beautiful and it’s in great condition again. The 18th is an iconic finishing hole, and it was a cool experience to go out with Matteo and see it from the sea, especially as I managed to hit one close at the end.”

Dutchman Joost Luiten is the defending champion this week.