Muscat – The grand finale of the Oman Golf Trophy, a unique golf diplomacy initiative, is set to be held at Al Mouj Golf in Muscat from March 3 to 7.

The initiative is characterised by a robust public-private partnership to promote investment and tourism opportunities in Oman in line with Oman Vision 2040, with the sultanate aiming to leverage golf as an ambassador to highlight the natural beauty of the country for travellers and strengthen diplomatic ties between Oman and Italy.

Created during conversation over a game of golf between H E Francisco Palau Grieg, Honorary Consul of Oman in Milan, Italy, and Ali Daud, CEO of Daud Group, as they discussed how golf could be a vehicle to bring Oman to Italy and Italy to Oman, the Oman Golf Trophy was launched as a joint initiative with the blessing of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.

The Italian leg of the tournament was played at seven of the most prestigious courses in Italy between September and November 2022, with as many as 14 players from over 800 participants qualifying for the grand finale in Muscat. This will provide local golfers the unique experience of playing alongside Italian golfers.

In addition to competitive golf at Al Mouj Golf, participants will also have the opportunity to explore many of the key experiences that make Oman one of the region’s top tourist destinations.

The Oman Golf Trophy is stewarded by Oman Golf Association, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth with technical as well as financial support of the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Ministry of Commence, Industry and Investment Promotion, besides sponsorship of some of the most well-known groups in the country, including Daud Group, Oman Air, OHI, The Zubair Corporation, Al Mouj Muscat and Kempinski Hotel Muscat.

Speaking ahead of the grand finale, H E Basil al Rawas, Undersecretary for Sports and Youth in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said, “The Oman Golf Trophy is the first-ever Omani tournament to be hosted overseas. The grand finale will provide a great opportunity to continue promoting the sultanate utilising golf, as it is one of the most popular elite sports in the world. Having hosted seven events in Italy, it is amazing to be closing the tournament in the sultanate as there are many benefits to be achieved at all levels, particularly for promoting sports tourism and boosting the economy.

“After successfully hosting the grand finale, we look forward to rolling out similar events through different sports, in order to promote the sultanate, alongside our international partners and supported by the public and private sectors.”

Highlighting the benefits of strengthening diplomatic relations with Italy through this initiative, H E Grieg said, “We were thrilled to host the Oman Golf Trophy, particularly the last course in Rapallo where H H Sayyid Nazar al Said, Ambassador of Oman to Italy, was able to participate. The seven tournaments have opened a magnificent view on a beautiful country many Italians hadn’t known anything about, let alone visited! Thanks to the superb work done by the sponsors, professionally coordinated by the Foreign Ministry and Oman Golf Association.”

He added that superb videos and images were showcased during the event, which created great interest among club members and their family and friends, as a result of which many decided to visit Oman over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“I’m looking forward to arriving in Muscat for the Grand Finale with the 14 winners and leaders of industry, representing multiple sectors – Pirelli Group, the world leader in tyres; bankers; Hirsch Private Equity; FINSEA, one of the leading logistics companies in Italy; real estate; and water treatment, among others – all discovering Oman and its tourism and investment potential while doing what they love – playing golf – at one of the top 100 best golf courses in the world.”