Khaleej Times Sport
Ahmed Marjan is currently undergoing an intensive training programme in Dubai to hone his competitive skills as part of the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation’s ambitious drive to discover, develop and promote Arab talent, a press release said.The Moroccan prodigy, who flashed glimpses of his precocious talent when he topped the inaugural Mena Golf Tour’s Order of Merit standings for amateurs last year, is in no hurry to turn professional, but believes the strenuous training stint in Dubai will help mould him into a better player.“The immediate goal is to try and better my performance in the forthcoming Mena Golf Tour and, hopefully, match the scores of professionals in the field. For that to happen I need to train harder and stay focused,” said the 18-year-old who plays off an impressive plus three handicap.
“I am grateful to the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation for providing me with this opportunity to train under the tutelage of professional coaches at the Emirates Golf Club. Opportunities like this one don’t come knocking at your door every day and I will try and make most of it.
“Their gesture will also motivate other emerging Arab players to work hard if their aim is to make a career out of golf,” said Marjan who topped the Mena Golf Tour Order of Merit table with 127 points, well ahead of Daniel Owen of England (105) and Mustapha El Maouas (94), also of Morocco.
In recognition of his efforts, the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Maktoum, which was set up under the auspices of golf in DUBAi in 2006, has awarded him a six-month scholarship to brush up his game in Dubai. The Emirates Golf Club’s coaching staff have specially designed a programme for Marjan which will cover every aspect of the game ranging from technique to swing strength and physical fitness.
“We welcome Ahmed to the Emirates Golf Club and our expert coaches will ensure he gets the best possible training to develop his skills,” said Chris May, general manger of the club, the home of flagship Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters events.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “The emergence of Ahmed on the golfing scene speaks volumes of the development and growth of the game in Morocco which also boasts their own tour.
“Ahmed’s performance in the Mena Golf Tour shows he certainly has the potential to become a better golfer. More importantly, he has the desire and willingness to improve. The scholarship to Ahmed is part of our commitment to continually identify and nurture the talented Arab youth with the aim of producing a future generation of champions.
“Besides undergoing advanced golf training, Ahmed will also join English coaching classes to brush up his communications skills so that he feels at ease when interacting with players from different countries.
“There is no dearth of talent in the region. All they need is a competitive environment to take their game to the next level. The Mena Golf Tour, which we started last year, just aims to realise that strong potential of growth in the region,” he added.
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