Saturday 07 / September / 2024
Muscat: As the prestigious Oman Senior Open Golf Championship approaches, Ali Hameed is hoping to make it three titles in a row when the competition tees off at the Ghala Golf Club on Saturday.
“Indeed, I see a hat-trick coming, especially considering how much I have improved my game,” a confident Ali said.
But at the same time, the veteran golfer is realistic enough to keep his fingers crossed, saying, “but then this is golf, anything can happen.”
Ali’s two consecutive wins makes him the obvious top contender for the trophy. He emerged champion back in 2014 with a gross score of 77 and then earned 82 in 2015 to take the trophy for the second time.
He feels the competition is getting better with every year.
“There are some good players out there and I am sure it will not be a walk in the park, and winning tournaments in this year was not so easy for me," he said.
"So yes, there will be some tough challenges ahead but that's the fun part of the game. I am confident about my capabilities. It’s good for me that I am fit and fine when the tournament is approaching,” added Ali.
Ali is all praise for the tournament which is organised by the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) and supported by Bank Muscat and Omanline Institute.
Ali said: “With this tournament, the OGC gives veteran golfers in Oman a scope to showcase their talent. I am happy that I will be participating as the defending champion. I am excited and can’t wait for the action to begin.”
Ali is a regular in the golf circuit even after his retirement from the National Golf team.
He said: “Playing for the national team is a matter of pride but then you have to give space to the juniors. But I am playing almost every day even after my retirement.
"I have just returned from Thailand where I have enhanced and elevated my game, but I believe that there is always room for improvement. I would love to make it a third, I wish all participants good luck and may the best young man win!”
Like Ali Hameed, Sachin Bawa is also on the verge of a hat-trick of his own having finished runner-up on the last two occasions.
Last year, he produced a gross score of 83, narrowly missing the title by a single stroke to Ali to settle for the men’s gross category runner-up prize, while in 2014 he had finished runner-up with a gross score of 80.
The OGC is done with the registration process for the tournament. The registration includes a T-shirt, sleeve of balls, a pass for the presentation ceremony, dinner entry and prizes for the players. One free practice round for the registered players will be provided before the tournament begins.
