(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The national golf team has pulled out of the 2014 World Amateur Team Golf Championship for the Eisenhower Trophy which is scheduled to be held in Japan from September 9-13.
Oman was expected to take part in the biennial tournament for only the second time after it had debuted in 2012 in Antalya Turkey.
Mundhir al Barwani the chairman of the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) told Muscat Daily on Wednesday 'We have pulled out of the Eisenhower Trophy for various reasons which includes lack of funds.
The OGC has a hectic schedule for the national team players in the coming months. The committee decided that it will send players only to those events where there would be greater returns to our investment.'
He added 'Since we are keen to take part in future editions of the championship we pulled out this time to avoid any sanctions from the International Golf Federation and the organisers. This will keep the door open for us for the next edition.'
The national team's withdrawal from a world championship after competing for the first time in 2012 is a setback for the players who were looking forward to compete with the top amateurs from around the world. Oman had selected Azaan al Rumhy Ali Hameed and Hamood al Harthy for the 2014 Eisenhower Trophy which is expected to attract players from 72 countries.
Azaan expressed his disappointment at having to miss out on the competition saying 'It is a shame that we are not able to take part in the Eisenhower Trophy.' However Oman's No 1 golfer is looking at the positive side as well.
'This [withdrawal] will give me more time to prepare for the Dubai Creek Open (a MENA Tour event) that will be held from September 14-17' he said.
OGC upbeat for Asian Games Barwani the OGC chairman said Oman's next big assignment will be the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon South Korea from September 17-October 4.
A four-member team of Azaan Hameed Harthy and Ahmed al Balushi will represent the sultanate at the Asiad.
Azaan is also part of two-member team that will compete in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia from October 23-26.
Harthy is Oman's other player for the Melbourne tournament to be conducted jointly by the Augusta National Golf Club the R&A and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation.
'At this moment it looks like Oman will compete in the Asia-Pacific event' said Barwani adding that the logistics are being worked out to ensure participation.
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