Japan's Takumi Kanaya held off a strong challenge from Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana and American Berry Henson to secure a dominant four-shot victory and claim the International Series Oman 2023 title at Al Mouj Golf, part of an enhanced series on the Asian Tour.
Starting the final day on 9-under-par, one shot clear of Ryo Hisatsune, Kanaya shot a resolute 71 to tame the testing conditions that Oman’s first ever links course has become renowned for across the globe.
After being presented with the International Series Oman trophy, Kanaya praised the incredible layout of the course, as well as the hospitality shown throughout the week and said: "I have loved my time in Oman, what a great week. The golf course was amazing and extremely challenging when the wind picked up.
"Thank you to the people of Oman, Al Mouj Golf and the various sponsors for their support this week, it has been one to remember."
Designed by two-time major winner, Greg Norman, Kanaya was not the only player to marvel at the world-class conditioning of the course, with four-time major champion Brooks Koepka stating ahead of the tournament: “It’s a great golf course. I think it’s phenomenal. The putting surface is very true. Fairways are in great shape. I’ve been very, very impressed with the shape it’s in.”
Recent Presidents Cup participant and ten-time professional winner Mito Pereira echoed the sentiments of Koepka on the quality of the golf course adding: “This place is great, super super impressed by the facilities and the golf course. I honestly didn’t expect the course to be this good, I’m really happy to be here.”
Speaking after the conclusion of the International Series’ debut in the Middle East, Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said “We are extremely proud to have hosted the season opener of the International Series Oman this week, welcoming a number of the world’s best players to showcase Al Mouj Golf’s incredible course, facilities, and hospitality to a global audience as a World top 100 club. From all of us at Al Mouj Muscat, we would like to congratulate Takumi Kanaya on his well-earned victory.”
He added: “The hard-work and commitment of my team to deliver a state-of-the-art golf course throughout the year, not only allows us to showcase the very best of Al Mouj, but also why Oman is one of the best destinations to visit in the Middle East, with its fantastic culture, leisure and experiences, that offer unparalleled experiences and great moments. Our sights are now firmly set on welcoming the Asian Tour back in 2024 and hosting an even bigger and better tournament next year.”
This week’s event will have not only inspired the people of Oman with the world class field on show at Al Mouj Golf, but the International Series has aimed to further inspire the next generation of golfer in the Sultanate, with $25,000 being donated towards the creation of development programs throughout the country, as part of Oman’s 2040 vision. The Asian Tour, International Series and Oman Golf Association (OGA) have all worked together to make this possible with Al Mouj Golf the center point for these continued efforts to grow the game of golf in the country.
Situated along a stretch of pristine coastline, flanking the Indian Ocean and stunning Hajjar mountain range, Al Mouj Golf’s successful staging of the International Series Oman has continued to showcase why it is one of the most sought-after destinations in golf.
Al Mouj Golf has now received 23 International Awards and welcomes 16,000 golfers and 35,000 guests annually. The course is a key asset of Al Mouj Muscat, the Sultanate’s leading leisure and lifestyle destination, and a joint venture between Majid Al Futtaim Properties, OMRAN, and Tanmia. As Oman’s first Integrated Tourism Complex Al Mouj Muscat has delivered significant socio-economic impact on job creation, development, foreign direct investment, growth in the number of SMEs as well as across the tourism sector.
For Al Mouj Golf, please visit www.almoujgolf.com. For more information on Al Mouj Muscat, please visit: www.almouj.com.
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