A star-studded line-up including Ryder Cup stars David Howell and Chris Wood as well as a plethora of European Tour winners, including Bernd Wiesberger, Chris Paisley and 2018 Oman Open winner Joost Luiten, will descend upon Al Mouj Golf when the tournament returns to the Sultanate later this month.
The tournament, which is Oman’s biggest ever sporting event, made its debut on the European Tour schedule last year to empathic approval from players and fans alike with the event welcoming over 3,000 spectators, players, staff and officials, which is set to rise this year. Former Challenge Tour graduate Paisley is eager to tee it up at Al Mouj Golf again having played at the 2014 NBO Bank of Oman Golf Classic en route to securing his European Tour playing privileges.
“I remember playing at Al Mouj Golf on the Challenge Tour and thinking it was one of the best courses we have played on the schedule. I remember it being a very difficult finishing stretch as the holes run along the Indian Ocean with heavy winds blowing from the coast. A lot of guys on Tour said it is one of the best courses on the European Tour calendar after they visited last year and it really is a fantastic place for golf. I’m looking forward to getting out there again.” – Chris Paisley
The Englishman will come up against strong opposition in part two of the European Tour’s Desert Swing in the form of Luiten, who secured his sixth European Tour title at last year’s event. The Dutchman came out on top of an enthralling final round battle with close friend Chris Wood to be crowned champion and the 33 year old is delighted to be returning to Muscat to defend his title.
“I was surprised by how good Al Mouj Golf was,” said Luiten. “It was my first time playing in Oman and I didn’t know what to expect but I just fell in love with the course. It’s a tough track and there is a stiff wind to contest with so you have to bring your ‘A’ game to be in contention come Sunday. It suits my game and I can’t wait to go back as champion and look forward to defending my title.”
Luiten made a strong start to his 2019 campaign after a final round 65 took him to outright third place at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, three shots behind winner Shane Lowry. It was a welcome return to form after missing a huge chunk of last season due to a wrist injury. “I had a tough time last year with the injury, so it’s good to be back playing again and it’s a great feeling to start off the season with a top-three finish. I’m just happy with the way I’m playing. I feel comfortable on the golf course and that’s a good thing. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing now. The swing feels good and I’m hitting some great iron shots. I just need to keep doing that. If I keep giving myself birdie opportunities, I know I can go on to make a few more.”
With a prize fund of $1,750,000 and early Race to Dubai points to be won, Oman’s premier golf course is set for another week of thrilling world-class golfing action along the magnificent coastline when play commences on Thursday 28th February.
