The inaugural Saudi International powered by SBIA, the first-ever European Tour golf event to be played in Saudi Arabia, is already proving a huge draw as a new wave of golf fans flock to see the action — both on and off the course. Saudi nationals are descending on Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in thousands to get their first taste of the sport, cheer on the world's best players and try the sport for themselves in the tournament's fun-packed Entertainment Village. The Entertainment Village has been a focal point for families throughout the week with live music, food trucks and a range of golf activities attracting the crowds. Men, women and children of all ages have turned up in their droves to try putting challenges and receive swing lesson from Zouhaier Jebri, the club's head professional. Hamza Hegazi, nine, and Layla Altelmissani, 15, are two youngsters who visited the tournament to see the sport being played by professionals then ended up trying it for themselves in the Entertainment Village. Layla, has now signed up for Royal Greens Golf & Country Club's dedicated academy and the Saudi Golf Federation's (SGF) Junior Development Program. "I've been here every day since Wednesday," said Layla. "I go to the World Academy in King Abdullah Economic City and we came for a field trip with the school. The activities are great fun and being able to watch the world's best players is something we've been dreaming of — now it's actually happening." Hamza added: "I've had a great time with my friends trying out the putting games. We are now members of the academy at Royal Greens. I hope I can play in this tournament one day." Another Saudi national trying golf for the first time was Zahra, a college tutor visiting the tournament from her home in Jeddah. "I didn't really know what golf was, but some of my students told me to come and I'm glad I did," said Zahra. "It's a new opportunity for Saudi Arabia and I wanted to come and support the country as well as the players. It's a new experience for everyone and I wanted to be here to see what it was like. I will definitely be coming back next year." The strong level of public interest reinforces the Saudi Golf Federation's vision to bring the European Tour to Saudi Arabia. With the main event generating huge interest, the Federation is leveraging that interest to grow the game of golf across the country. "It was special to see so many people, male and female, of all ages, embracing the activities and showing an interest in golf," said Majed Sorour, CEO of the Saudi Golf Federation. "It's extremely encouraging to witness how people have taken to the game. They are welcoming it with their hearts. We hope they share their experiences with their friends and family as we work together to grow this great game in Saudi Arabia and beyond." — SG
