Doha (Qatar) – March 26, 2020 /travelindex.com/ Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the official opening of the Education City Golf Club as it hosted its first international tournament, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2020 on the European Tour.
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, also attended the opening ceremony, as golf stars from around the world played their opening rounds in the latest edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, which has moved from its previous home at Doha Golf Club for the first time in its 23-year history.
“We look forward to welcoming people from across Qatar and beyond to experience the Education City Golf Club, which adds to the array of publicly-available, community-focused facilities at Qatar Foundation while also supporting Qatar’s national tourism goals and enhancing the nation’s global profile as a sporting destination,” said Machaille Hassan Al-Naimi, President of Community Development, Qatar Foundation.
Also participating in the tour at the official opening of the Education City Golf Club were Hassan Al Naimi, President of Qatar Golf Association; Joseph Abraham, Group CEO of Commercial Bank of Qatar; Omar Hussain Alfardan, Managing Director, Commercial Bank of Qatar; Keith Pelley, CEO of the PGA European Tour; and leading professional golfer and Solheim Cup Captain Catriona Matthew.
“The Education City Golf Club is an inclusive facility on many levels, especially the academic level, as it offers many opportunities for those aspiring to practice golf, whether they are beginners, advanced, or professional players,” said Mr. Al Naimi.
“We decided to move the 23rd edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters tournament to the Education City Golf Club for the first time to enhance community involvement, and to further highlight how Qatar is a global destination for golf lovers.”
Speaking at the official opening, Keith Pelley European Tour CEO said: “It is my first time in Qatar, and my first opportunity to visit the Education City Golf Club. The course is excellent, the facilities are brilliant, and the immediate reaction from the players has been incredibly positive.
“This is a big step in the right direction for the game in Qatar. Golf is the most inclusive sport in the world, as you can play with anybody of any age, ability, and gender. Golf is very healthy and can teach you life skills. We think it is the best-kept secret here in Qatar and hopefully, it will grow over the coming years.”
Solheim Cup Captain Catriona Matthews also visited for the opening state “This is my first time here at this amazing golf course at Education City. It has all the high-tech equipment necessary to play golf, and it is great to see young girls and boys practicing the game here. It is also great to have this facility next to universities, schools, and research centers.”
