Muscat: Al Mouj Golf has achieved a top two ranking across the Middle East and North Africa carried out by the Golf World 100 Panel of Today’s Golfer magazine.
The Championship 72-par, 18-hole course is surrounded by two kilometres of uninterrupted coastline overlooking the Sea of Oman and is set against the backdrop of the majestic Al Hajar Mountains.
The setting earned Al Mouj Golf full marks with judges describing it as ‘outstanding’ when assessing it on the aesthetic value of its surrounding views, the course itself as well as its atmosphere.
The panel which is made up for 12 golf experts from around the world, also said that the Greg Norman-designed course “is a contender for our World Top 100 as is beautifully presented and Oman has a course to be exceptionally proud of”.
This is the first time Today’s Golfer magazine has carried out the rankings and, says its Golf World 100 editor Chris Bertram: “This is our favourite work by Greg Norman, who made fine use of a wonderful Gulf-side site to create hole after memorable hole.
“Rarely do you go for long with hitting towards, alongside or over the edge of the water. That is very rare in the Middle East and sets Al Mouj Golf apart.”
Al Mouj Golf which is Oman’s first links-style course and has hosted the Oman Open (European Tour) Championship, has attracted many other recognitions and accreditations since it opened in 2011.
Titles include Winners of the IAGTO sustainability award for community value and Audubon and GEO Certification for strong leadership in sustainability and golf. Commenting on this achievement, Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said: “It’s wonderful to see Al Mouj Golf achieve global recognition once again. It really is one of the shining jewels in the Al Mouj Muscat crown and awards like this can only elevate its reputation further. It is also a great demonstration of how we continue to provide the very best amenities and lifestyle experiences.
“Sports tourism and the leisure sector remain very much central to our strategy for sustainable growth and our incomparable setting will always be an important differentiator for Al Mouj Muscat.”
In addition to its playing attributes, Al Mouj Golf also has a long-term commitment to environmental and sustainability awareness and implementation, and is one of only 20 across the globe to have been awarded dual certification for its work on nature, resource preservation and the community. Home to 173 different bird species, it has become a haven for wildlife.
