The Mena Golf Tour, the developmental tour that took root in the UAE, announced its 2017 schedule on Sunday, with a number of changes set in place.
Developing the developmental tour
The new calendar tees off on March 5 with its Q-School at Morocco’s Royal Golf El Jadida, moving from its Spanish location last year, while the circuit’s Thailand Swing has increased by one event to three with the addition of the Pattana Golf Championship on May 15. It will be a 72-hole event — a tour first.
Continuing its reach
The 2017 Mena Tour will visit six countries: Morocco, UAE, Thailand, South Africa, Kuwait and Oman. The first half of the schedule has been confirmed, with the three co-sanctioned events with South Africa’s Sunshine Tour pencilled in for June. The season concludes at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, a return to the venue after last year’s denouement in Oman.
Olympic objective
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the Mena Tour, announced Project 300, an initiative that aims to create a pathway for a tour player, or a UAE national, to the 2020 Olympics. The tour is seeking assistance from the Arab Golf Federations — they presented to those in October — and the Olympic Committees throughout the Arab world. Help could come in the form of prize funds or new tournaments. At present, the Mena Tour is self-funded except for two events in Thailand.
Clarke’s commitment
Darren Clarke, the 2011 British Open champion, has extended his role as Mena Tour patron for another three years. The Northern Irishman, who also captained the 2016 European Ryder Cup team, said part of his agreement is to again participate in a tour event. In 2015, Clarke competed at the Ras Al Khaimah Classic.
Pre-summer Schedule
March 5-8, 2017
2017 Qualifying School
El Jadida Golf Club, Mazagan, Morocco
Prize money: TBA
March 11-15
PalmGolf Open
Palmeraie Country Club, Casablanca, Morocco
Prize Money: $50,000 (Dh183,650)
March 12-21
Royal Golf Mohammedia Open
Royal Golf D’Anfa, Mohammedia, Casablanca, Morocco
Prize Money: $50,000
April 23-26
Ras Al Khaimah Classic
Tower Links Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Prize Money: $50,000
April 30 — May 4
Mahasamutr Masters
Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand
Prize Money: $50,000
May 7-11
Mountain Creek Open
Mountain Creek Golf Resort & Residences, Amphur Sikhio, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Prize Money: $50,000
May 15-19
Pattana Golf Championship
Pattana Golf Club & Resort, 99/89 Moo 9, Khaokhunsong District, Sriracha City, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20110, Thailand
Prize Money: $50,000
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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