Local professionals Ayoub Lguirati and Othman Raouzi believe golf is making great progress in the country after nine players participated at this year’s International Series Morocco.
Of the nine, amateur Hugo Mazen Trommetter missed the cut at level par by just two shots, but the Sam Houston State University student who studies in Texas had 10 birdies over two days while Lguirati, who made the cut and finished T28 two years ago, was a shot further behind and posted eight birdies.
The amateur duo of Adam Bresnu and Soufiane Dahmane also had an incredible two days, finishing with the same three-over score.
Raouzi had three birdies over the first two days and finished six over. Ahmed Marjan, Ayoub Id-Omar, and the amateur trio of Youssef El Hali, Aissa Elkhadri and Sinan Melhli also gained invaluable experience in a field including nine LIV Golf League players plus the cream of the Asian Tour, as well as former Ryder Cup, President’s Cup and Walker Cup players.
With the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s iconic Red Course baring its teeth, it was an impressive performance by the local contingent, many of whom are benefitting from the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation’s ‘Road to the Tour’ programme, which was launched in 2021 to identify young talent at an early age and guide them towards international tournaments.
Speaking at a special coaching clinic for media on the sidelines of the event, Lguirati said: “International Series Morocco is an important event for the players in the region and helps the development of our country’s professionals and amateurs.”
The Asian Development Tour player, who has received support from the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation throughout both his amateur and professional careers, added: “We have all gained some incredible experience here this year, and we will all learn from this and grow.”
Raouzi said: “International Series Morocco was a wonderful experience, we were able to compete with the very best and I think we will all leave with lasting memories. While it has helped this current generation of locals and professionals, it will also encourage the next generation and create real interest in the sport in Morocco.”
