First round of Desert Shark Championship Concludes at Ayla Golf Club
The first round of the Desert Shark Championship at the Ayla Golf Club has recently concluded, showcasing broad participation from both local and international players in the tournament organized by Ayla.
. The tournament, organized by Ayla, boasts broad participation from both local and international players.
Throughout this initial round, amateur players from Jordan, and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives from Scotland and Finland, who are members of the Ayla Golf Club, will be joined by players from Neom, Saudi Arabia, and several Jordanian participants. The competition concluded with Steve Price in first place, Peter Harris in second place, and Ed Palmer in third place.
With around 20 players participating in this first round on the Ayla course, featuring 18 holes and a par of 72 strokes, success here will qualify them for the remaining four rounds of the championship.
Sahel Dudin, Managing Director of Ayla Development Oasis Company, expressed his delight at inaugurating the golf season in Ayla for the year 2024. The first round of the Desert Shark Championship sets the stage for four additional rounds and signifies robust preparations for major annual tournaments. Additionally, it involves hosting international events at a high level, providing Jordanian players with opportunities to compete and elevate the standard of sports at the national level.
Dudin emphasized that such sporting events aim to enhance the Aqaba Special Economic Zone’s standing as a prime venue for major events. This contributes to the stimulation of tourism and highlights the region’s potential. He also underscored Ayla’s role in sports tourism marketing, emphasizing the adherence to international best practices in organizing significant events.
Jason Vermeulen, Head golf professional, added that the current edition of the Desert Shark Championship, consisting of five rounds held throughout the year, follows the impressive success of the inaugural edition last year, which culminated in the acknowledgment of the winner at the tournament’s conclusion.
Desert Shark attracts widespread attention from participants for its role in nurturing and developing the capabilities of players, enabling them to participate in upcoming golf rounds, whether organized by Ayla or in external competitions.
Ayla’s teams have completed preparations for the main playing sites, ensuring high-level competition in terms of course conditions, terrain, and the provision of top-notch facilities and services in various aspects.
Ayla offers a comprehensive system for golf at a prestigious global level, featuring an 18-hole course designed by the world-renowned Greg Norman, with a par of 72 strokes, and a specialized academy equipped with training and educational facilities, along with a 9-hole course.