MUSCAT — The first golf partnership contract between Germany and Oman has been signed by the Almouj Muscat club in Oman and the Schloss-Miel golf club in Swisttal-Miel, North Rhine West Falia, Germany. The contract, which aims to promote golf traffic between the two countries, was initiated by Oman Air's Country Manager Germany, Nicky Samarasinghe, and David Stafford, Vice President of The Wave, Muscat, with the support of Ernst Vleer, of Club 99 in Cologne, and Alexander Thelen, the owner of Schloss-Miel golf club and a member of Club 99. The move continues Oman Air's support for sporting excellence, within the sultanate and internationally, which has already seen the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman sponsor a series of polo tournaments across Europe. It supports the Oman Air-Musandam trimaran's participation in the challenging and world-renowned Fastnet Race, sponsors Omani motorsports ace Ahmad Al Harthy's Oman Aidr-Motorbase racing team, and become the lead sponsor of the Oman Football Association. Oman Air's support for golf in the sultanate followed an upsurge of interest in the sport and the launch of world-class courses in the north of the country, the latest of which is the Greg Norman-designed Almouj course at The Wave, Muscat. Other courses in Oman include those at the Muscat Golf and Country Club and the Ghala Golf Club. Commenting on the partnership, Nicky Samarasinghe, Oman Air CM Germany said: “This partnership is another great opportunity to promote tourism through sports between Germany and Oman.” Golf in Germany has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity, especially after the success of two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer. There are more than 300,000 club members in Germany, playing on more than 500 courses throughout the country. The 6,060-meter (6,627 yards) 18-hole course at Schloss-Miel golf club was established in 1995 and is located in the charming landscapes of the Lower Eifel area, close to the city of Bonn. The course was designed by the British architect David Ashton. The signing of the new contract between the Almouj Muscat club and the Schloss-Miel club will be followed by the first trip by Schloss-Miel members to the Almouj course. Having first flown from Germany to Muscat with Oman Air, the 20 golfers will enjoy the 7342-yard (6,713.5 meters) course's coastal location, lush green grass, bunkers, water hazards and natural dunes. — SG
