JORDAN’S BIGGEST GOLF TOURNAMENT RETURNS TO MARCH SLOT

 The Jordan Golf Open has moved back to its March slot this year as it bids to attract a stronger field of competitors for the Kingdom’s premium golf tournament.

The impressive par-72 Greg Norman-designed Ayla Golf Course in Aqaba will host the Open from March 23-25 when Jordan’s leading players will join golfers from the region in what promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated tournaments in its 27-year history.

“We have decided to move it back to March to avoid clashes with a number of other events that are scheduled later in the year across the region,” said Hani Al Abdallat, President of the Jordan Golf Federation (JGF).

“We are also looking to make a number of improvements to the tournament this year with the main gross event to be extended over three days, while the net event will be held as a stableford on the Friday and Saturday.

“It promises to be a strong field too with a number of countries indicating that their players could be coming to compete.”

The past three editions of the Open have been won by Jordan-based Iraqi player Amer Radee, but a number of players will be fancying their chances following a strong year of competition and training for the Jordan national team.

The first Jordan Golf Open, organised by volunteers, was held in 1990 but in 2003 it was adopted by the JGF who have run it every year since apart from 2013 when there was no tournament held. It was held at Ayla for the first time last year.