AYLA READY TO HOST JORDAN CHAMPIONSHIP

 The most eagerly anticipated Jordan Golf Open in its 27-year history tees off at 9am Thursday at the Greg Norman-designed Ayla Golf Course on Thursday.

Some of the best players from the region have arrived in the south of Jordan to take on the Kingdom’s best over the next three days on a golf course which is being tipped for big things.

Nidal Al Majali, the Public Relations Manager for Ayla Oasis gave an insight into the preparations as players from Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan join a 75-strong international Open field.

“The team has worked hard to ensure the course is in top class international condition so we can look forward to hosting a successful event,” said Majali.

The course is building a reputation as one of the best in the Middle East with the 18 championship holes complemented by a nine-hole training facility.

Hani Al Abdullat, President of the Jordan Golf Federation, has been busy welcoming players and officials to Aqaba and said there is a real buzz surrounding this year’s event.

“This is a very strong field, in fact the strongest there has been,” he said. “all the big local names have confirmed as well as the top players from other Arab countries.

Our national team players are in the best form they have ever been in so we expect a very good standard.”

The Open will showcase the Ayla course perfectly ahead of a bid to bring the Arab Championships here next year.

Among those on the practice greens Wednesday were three-time reigning champion Amer Radee, of Iraq, and 13-year-old sensation Shergo Kurdi who will lead Jordan’s chase for the top prize.

Other players looking to make their mark are Palestine’s Bilal Al Attaya, Lebanon’s Namer Sa’ed and Rasheed Aqel and the USA’s Mike Hoover.