A strong field looks to be taking shape for next month’s NBO Oman Open, which is is being held at the Greg Norman-designed Al Mouj Golf in Muscat from February 15-18.
Although the Sultanate has hosted the Challenge Tour’s NBO Golf Classic Grand Final for the past three years, and the Oman Golf Classic for two year before that, this newest tournament will be the first time that the European Tour has held an event in the Gulf state.
A star-studded line-up has already committed to the event, including Ryder Cup players Andy Sullivan, Chris Wood and Paul Laurie, along with Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnson.
“I’m looking forward to playing in the NBO Oman Open ,” said three-time European Tour winner Sullivan, as the event was officially announced today at a press conference held at the National Bank of Oman headquarters, under the auspices of H.E Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil & Gas. “I’ve always enjoyed playing golf in the region, and it’s exciting to play in a country that I’ve not played before.”
Also teeing it up in Muscat will be Jordan Smith. The Englishman topped the Road to Oman Rankings in 2016 before making a lightening quick start to his European Tour career last year with victory in the European Open along with a further four top ten finishes as he secured a place in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai at the first time of asking. Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia, winner of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final and Road to Oman in 2015 will join Smith in the field, as will 2016 NBO Golf Classic Grand Final winner Bernd Ritthammer, along with another former Ryder Cup player Stephen Gallagher.
H.E Dr Al Rumhy said: “The evolution of this tournament has been of great benefit to Oman in putting the Sultanate on the world sporting map, and showcasing the country’s enviable assets, while at the same time significantly aiding the growth of golf here at grassroots level. As was the case with the Challenge Tour events hosted at Al Mouj Golf, an important aspect of the NBO Oman Open will be the involvement of local amateurs who will compete in the OHI Oman Amateur Open at Ghala Golf Club over January 26-27, with the winner being awarded a place in the NBO Oman Open field. Furthermore, there will be one additional amateur spot allocated, and this initiative will give these players invaluable exposure to top level golf as they continue their development. The event will also provide a wonderful platform for the community, both golfers and non-golfers, to come together and enjoy what will be a fabulous social occasion.”
Nick Tarratt, Director of the European Tour Middle East, said: “The fact the inaugural NBO Oman Open has attracted such a high-quality field is a mark of the esteemed reputation enjoyed by the Challenge Tour events which proceeded it in the Sultanate. That reputation is down to the efforts of NBO, the Government of Oman, Al Mouj Golf and the Oman Golf Committee whose support earned the tournament a well-deserved place on the European Tour. We’re delighted to add the NBO Oman Open to our 2018 schedule and look forward to crowning our first champion in less than six weeks’ time.”
The championship course at Al Mouj was designed by Greg Norman and first opened in 2012. The 7,342-yard layout enjoys a stunning seaside location, with a mountainous backdrop, and has very links feel to it, with deep bunkers, penal rough and fast greens.
For the latest news on the tournament, visit www.europeantour.com