By Kent Gray
Timing is everything in golf and Othman Almulla’s has proven impeccable.

Not only has 32-year-old broken ground as Saudi Arabia’s first ever professional, his maiden event will be the Kingdom’s bow on the European Tour next week.

The Saudi International powered by SBIA will is no ordinary debut either; with Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Desert Classic headliner Bryson DeChambeau in the field for event Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, the $3.5 million event boasts four of the world’s top five players.

“It’s still a bit surreal and none of it has really sunk in yet,” said Almulla ahead of the Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 event in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

“I always wanted to represent Saudi Arabia as a professional and play in a professional tournament in my homeland, but I honestly didn’t think it would happen. It is a dream come true.”

Related: Meet Othman Almulla, Saudi’s pioneering pro

Almulla relinquished his amateur status earlier this month after a stellar career included representing Saudi Arabia in three Eisenhower Trophy World Team Amateur Championships and becoming the youngest Arab amateur to qualify for a European Tour event when he appeared at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2007, aged 20.

Now he’s set to test his game against the world’s best, including American Ryder Cuppper Patrick reed, the reality is beginning to set in.

“I may be a professional now, but this is another level entirely,” Almulla said. “Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, we’re talking about the best in the world. I’m looking forward to it though. I’ve played tournament golf before and although there may be a bit of extra pressure, I’m going to go out and try to enjoy it.”

Aside from unwavering home support, Almulla’s major benefit is a familiarity with the unique challenges served up at the coastal Royal Greens GCC: “I have a small advantage, but the best players always find a way,” he said.

“European Tour Designs have done an amazing job with the course. It really is something and it isn’t going to be easy, it’ll play tough. It makes you think as a player, the location on the Red Sea adds to the challenge with the differing wind conditions – it plays like two separate layouts depending on wind direction.”

Almulla praised the Saudi Golf Federation (SGF), KAEC and other domestic stakeholders for enhancing Saudi’s international golf credentials and boosting the game in the minds of the country’s nationals.

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity. It’s my chance to give back and to help show what Saudi has to offer as a country in terms of golf, sport and tourism,” said Almulla.

“The country’s visionary leadership, KAEC and the SGF have done a phenomenal job in growing the game and using it as a vehicle to show off the country. KAEC has opened the game to the people of Jeddah and has major aspirations and ambitions.

“This is an up-and-coming city, a real destination, right on the beautiful Red Sea. We’re very fortunate to have a premier event here, as golfers and as Saudis. With the support of the SGF, there is great potential for the game in Saudi.”

Almulla also revealed his rivals for Saudi International honours are in for a treat, as Saudi Arabia readies to demonstrate its true Arabian hospitality to the world’s best players.

“The players are going to be surprised when they come here,” said Almulla. “Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer and the players and spectators who come will see that we love to have guests here, we love hosting guests – it’s in our DNA.”

Almulla’s rise to the professional ranks is testament to his dedication and reflects the progress of golf in Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation said.

“Othman has been a great ambassador for golf in Saudi Arabia and for the nation. He is a true role model to the younger generation and is proof that through hard work and dedication you can achieve your dreams.

“It will be a special moment for Othman and for the Federation when he steps on to that first tee in the inaugural Saudi International powered by SBIA.

“Through this tournament and the continued efforts of our coaches, we want to inspire the next generation of golfers and sports fans in the Kingdom, take the game to a wider audience and encourage Saudi Arabia’s citizens to pursue more active lifestyles.”