Qatar Foundation (QF) chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser on Thursday attended the official opening of the Education City Golf Club as it hosts its first international tournament, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2020.
She toured the facilities within the sporting and community facility at Qatar Foundation, which, as well as being a venue for top-class competitions, aims to encourage people of all ages in Qatar to experience and enjoy the game of golf.
QF vice chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, 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.
“Through the opportunities it offers and its ethos as a venue, the Education City Golf Club reflects Qatar Foundation’s commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles and the importance of well-being, and emphasises the fact that sport is for all,” said Machaille Hassan al-Naimi, president of Community Development, QF.
“This is a truly inclusive facility, opening the way for children, adults, and entire families to discover the game of golf and feel the benefits it brings in terms of physical fitness, mental stimulation, and social interaction.
“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.”
Also participating in the tour at the official opening of the Education City Golf Club were Qatar Golf Association president Hassan al-Naimi, Commercial Bank managing director Omar Hussain Alfardan, Board of Directors member Abdul Rahman bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Group CEO Joseph Abraham, PGA European Tour CEO Keith Pelley and leading professional golfer 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 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.”
Omar Alfardan said: “We have been committed to supporting this tournament for over 17 years, and we are very glad to host the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Education City Golf Club, as it helps the sport becomes more a part of the community and offers a new destination for all age groups and all community members, as well as international players.
“I believe that the opening of the Education City Golf Club is a great step toward enhancing community participation in golf.”
Speaking at the official opening, Pelley 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.”
Matthew said: “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 centres.”
Comprising 18-hole, nine-hole, and six-hole courses, the Education City Golf Club also houses a state-of-the-art learning and practice facility within its Centre of Excellence, which combines modern technology with expert training opportunities and includes a women-only tuition area, as the club seeks to support the growth of women’s golf in Qatar. Its nine-hole course is floodlit, enabling people to enjoy a round of night-time golf, with the club also providing a range of fitness classes and offering golf lessons for individuals, groups, and children.
