South African major winner Charl Schwartzel knows all about bringing pride to the continent of Africa after his memorable Masters triumph in 2011, and the LIV Golf star is hoping that International Series Morocco can prove to be a breeding ground for yet more future champions from the region.
Schwartzel is the headliner for the fourth of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour this week, which takes place at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s Red Course. The 40-year-old Stinger GC man is going in search of his first tournament win since 2022, when he landed the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational London title.
Schwartzel, who tees off at 12:50 in the marquee group with defending champion Ben Campbell and Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone. It is great to play in these International Series events for us (LIV Golf players), and it is even better for the guys playing for the opportunity (to get onto the LIV Golf League at the end of the season).
“The whole thing about the Asian Tour and the International Series, and LIV Golf, is that as it moves around, we play various parts of the world and expose the game in these destinations. That offers a wonderful opportunity.”
This year’s event provided even more rewards to budding talent from the region, through two ADT events in Marrakech that offered competition and a qualification route for golfers from the region and across Asia. Schwartzel added: “I think that is an amazing opportunity for local players from Morocco.
“These tournaments offer a way to qualify to get into bigger events like these, which could potentially be life-changing. The experience is something that money cannot buy – the experience built up will serve the local players very well.”
Local hero Ayoub Lguirati is one of the leading lights for golf in North Africa. He is one of eight Moroccan players in the field this week, eager to test themselves against some of the best players in the world.
Lguirati will be hoping to replicate or improve on the form that brought a T28 in the first edition of the tournament in 2022, followed by a T37 at International Series Egypt which only told half the story – he was T9 at the halfway stage in Cairo.
Lguirati, who tees off at 8:00 am in a group with Jaco Ahlers of South Africa and Thailand’s David Boriboonsub, believes the development of golf in Morocco is on the right track, as he said: “The game is growing and it is very welcome. The new generation is motivated, and the FRMG programs are a tremendous help, down to the clear vision of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid.
“He has a vision to develop champions and elevate Morocco on the international stage, and with more support and world-class international tournaments like this, we can deliver and keep raising the challenge.”
Lguirati has seen a wealth of talent emerge from Morocco, and he was confident the next generation could go on to bigger and better things. His advice?
“Stay disciplined and work hard every day. Nothing comes easy, but with hard work, everything is possible.”
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of 10 elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings leader promotion to the LIV Golf League.
