Mena patron Clarke to lead Europe

Darren Clarke with Mohamed Juma Buamaim

Dubai: Golf in Dubai have joined the sporting world in congratulating and celebrating the appointment of Mena Golf Tour Patron, Darren Clarke, as Europe’s 2016 Ryder Cup captain at Hazeltine National in Minnesota.

“Darren is special and one whose charismatic personality transcends his sport and his appeal crosses all demographics This is a thoroughly well deserved honour for a golfer who was a mainstay on five consecutive European Ryder Cup teams from 1997,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai.

“We are fortunate to have such a phenomenal player as the Patron of the Mena Golf Tour, who shares our belief that the region has the potential to create significant growth opportunities for the emerging talent,” added Buamaim, who is also Chairman of the Mena Golf Tour.

“His elevation to the Ryder Cup captaincy will certainly resonate on the Mena Golf Tour as he will be mentoring its members who are an integral part of stimulating and sustaining the growth of the game in the region.

“On behalf of Golf in Dubai and members of the Mena Golf Tour, I wish him the very best and hope the team will continue its amazing winning streak under his astute leadership skills,” he said.

Clarke delivered a shining example of a team-man when he famously helped Europe to victory at the K Club in 2006 just weeks after the death of his wife Heather, a clutch performance making him a living legend of the game.

And it came as no surprise when a five-man committee made up of the last three captains, European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady and former Ryder Cup player David Howell rubber stamped their choice at Wentworth on Wednesday.

A palpable excitement will be in the air when Clarke, who is one of the world’s most recognisable golfers, attends MENA Golf Tour events later this year and shares his knowledge with the region’s talent. “We look forward to his strategic input in attracting more people to play the game because we have some of the best facilities in the world here,” said Buamaim.