It takes countless man hours, unerring commitment and expertise to develop and maintain a golf course to championship condition and it appears Al Mouj Golf course superintendent Steve Johnson and his team have mastered the art with the players unanimous in their praise during this week’s NBO Oman Open in Muscat.
The Greg-Norman designed track, which was built in 2011, hosted a Challenge Tour event for the last five years, including the Grand Final for the last three, but this week the club is hosting the stars of the European Tour for the first time and they’ve been highly impressed by the pristine condition and unique layout.
“The course at Al Mouj Golf is amazing,” said four-time European Tour winner Soren Kjeldsen. “It seems to have a Links kind of feel with most of the holes being by the sea or in-between dunes, so basically you can only see the hole you are playing which is something I have thoroughly enjoyed. The variation of the holes and the design of the course has really impressed me and it’s in wonderful condition.”
The 18-hole Championship course is Oman’s first Links style course and it’s been the job of Johnson and his team, to get it into immaculate condition. “It’s very rewarding hearing all the lovely compliments we’ve received this weekend about the course,” said Johnson as he overlooked the picturesque ninth green. “We had a tough summer last year that involved lots of hard work and us testing out numerous things we hadn’t ever done before but the condition of the golf course this weekend is testament to what we did in the summer.
“We had 105 days between the end of the Challenge Tour’s NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in November and this inaugural NBO Oman Open so a lot of the work outside of the ropes was already done and it was all about maintaining it. This meant we could focus on our tees, greens and fairways especially in the weeks leading up to this European Tour tournament.
“In the 13 days we were closed before the event, we cut the greens 46 times in preparation for the tournament so that just shows the amount of work that goes in to get the course into pristine condition.
“To hear players like Andy Sullivan saying how great the course is, and encouraging golf lovers to visit Muscat to play here, can only be a good thing for the club and for the game in this country.”
The Al Mouj Golf management certainly appreciate the contribution Johnson and his team have made to this historic event which is the biggest Oman has ever hosted. Mubarak Hill, Club Manager said: “Two names should take the most credit for the compliments the golf course is receiving this weekend – Greg Norman and Steve Johnson.”
“Steve and his small team have performed fabulously day in, day out to maintain this golf course at the top level for this European Tour tournament.”
Head down to Al Mouj Golf this weekend to see the magnificent course for yourself and watch the most talented players to ever play on it from the European Tour. Entry is free and there’s plenty of other attractions such as the Tented Village, bouncy castles and shows from the Golf Trick Shot Boys to keep you entertained throughout.
