MUSCAT, DEC 11
The Oman Golf Trophy continued with players teeing off at La Vie Golf Club on the second day of the Grand Final. The day's standout performance came from Otmar Pusterhofer of Austria, who secured victory with an impressive 46 points. Austria dominated the leaderboard, with Gerald Monsberger taking third place with 30 points and Michael Winner finishing fifth with 37 points. France’s Edouard Rasquinet claimed second place with 38 points, while Michele Oronti of Italy secured fourth, also with 37 points.
In the Closest to the Pin competition, Mayu Otsuka of Japan excelled on hole 3, while Constance Johnson of Germany triumphed on hole 12.
Players enjoyed a well-deserved rest day after the first round, exploring Muscat and its surrounding areas. The tour included visits to iconic locations such as Wadi Shab, Nizwa, Al Hamra, Nakhal and the Daymaniyat Islands, offering participants a glimpse of Oman’s rich culture and famed hospitality.
The tournament culminates on Thursday with the final round at Al Mouj Golf Club, where players will compete in a championship format starting at 8 am. The prize giving and closing ceremonies will be held at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth.
The Grand Final is supported by Silver Partners Experience Oman, Ominvest and the Saud Bahwan Group, Bronze Partners Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Lovera and the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, along with official supporters including Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital, Qatar Airways, SeaOman, Tanuf and Visit Oman.
Oman Golf Association Vice-Chairman Faiz Mohammad Riaz highlighted the significance of the Oman Golf Trophy, now in its second season, as a unique event fostering international collaboration and showcasing Oman’s culture, history and beauty. He praised the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Ministry of Tourism in organising such a successful initiative. The Oman Golf Trophy spans eight countries, including Japan, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Austria and India, where over 5,500 players competed in 79 qualifying rounds. From this pool, 100 participants, many of whom are prominent businessmen, were invited to Oman for the grand finale held across Gala Golf Club, La Vie Golf Club and Al Mouj Golf Club.
Faiz emphasised that this event is more than just a sports tournament. "When the Oman Golf Association and the ministries announced this tournament and presented Oman to these countries, showcasing what our nation is all about, the benefits were immediate," he stated. He added that the tournament is not solely about winning but about using sports as a bridge to unite countries and foster connections. By welcoming influential figures from eight different nations and introducing them to Oman’s landmarks, including cultural and historical sites, the event serves as a catalyst for promoting investment, tourism, and economic growth.
Faiz concluded by expressing optimism about the tournament’s impact on Oman’s global reputation, remarking that initiatives like this will undoubtedly attract future investment and further strengthen international ties.
Dieter Hoover from Munich, Germany, expressed his delight in participating in the Oman Golf Trophy, describing it as an incredible experience. He praised the exceptional golf courses, excellent hotels, delicious food and the warm hospitality of the Omani people. Reflecting on the competitive nature of the games, he admitted that this tournament wasn’t his best performance but appreciated the spirited competition. He also shared his admiration for Oman landmarks, highlighting visits to the Grand Mosque and the other landmarks of the capital Muscat, Wadi Shab, Nizwa, Al Hamra and Nakhal, in addition to an exploratory trip to the Daymaniyat Islands, which left a lasting impression and motivated him to plan a return trip. Dieter emphasised the importance of the event, bringing together participants from eight countries and suggested making it an annual tradition to foster camaraderie and cultural exchange.
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