Tuesday 04 / November / 2025
MUSCAT: Oman’s top golfer Azzan Al Rumhy recently returned from the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Dubai with a sense of pride and renewed motivation.
Though he missed the cut in this year’s event, played at the Emirates Golf Club, it marked his 11th participation in 16 editions — a remarkable record that underscores both his consistency and his passion for representing Oman on Asia’s biggest amateur stage.
“It’s always an honour to play in the Asia-Pacific Amateur,” Azzan said. “Every time I’m here, I learn something new. The standard is world-class — these are players who are on the edge of turning professional — so competing with them keeps me sharp.”
For Azzan, who first represented Oman in 2002, the AAC has been a defining part of his golfing journey. “This championship has become the main event and I look forward to each year,” he said.
“It challenges me to prepare better, train harder, and see where we stand against the best amateurs in the region.”
Held at the Majlis Course of the Emirates Golf Club this year, the tournament featured an elite field from across Asia and the Pacific — including several players who have since gone on to play professionally. “That’s the beauty of this event,” said Azzan. “You’re sharing the fairways with players who could be on the DP World Tour next season. It pushes you mentally and technically.”
While his performance wasn’t what he had hoped for, Azzan sees it as another valuable learning experience. “My putting let me down on the first day — I had too many three-putts,” he admitted.
“But I adjusted on day two, saved a few shots, and finished stronger. Sometimes it’s just about small margins.”
Fine-tuning for future success
Preparation, Azzan believes, is a constant process — and one that never stops evolving. Two weeks before the tournament, he worked with long-time coach Stephen Deane at Dubai’s Pete Cowen Academy to fine-tune his swing.
“We made a few adjustments that I think will help in the long run,” he said.
“Maybe the timing wasn’t ideal so close to a tournament, but these changes are part of improving as a player.”
The experience also reaffirmed to him how important high-level events are for player development.
“When you play in these conditions, with long and demanding courses, you realise where your strengths and weaknesses really are,” he said. “That’s how you grow.”
Azzan will next compete at the Pan Arab Golf Championship in Riyadh, set for mid-November.
“I’m feeling positive,” he said. “Every event builds towards the next, and I’m eager to put what I’ve learned here into practice.”
A journey of dedication
With over two decades of representing Oman internationally, Azzan has become a fixture in regional golf.
“It’s been 23 years since I first played for Oman,” he said, smiling. “Golf gives you that longevity — it’s a game that rewards patience and persistence.”
He has also become a role model for a growing pool of young Omani golfers who are taking to the sport with enthusiasm.
“The new generation has better facilities, more tournaments, and access to coaching we never had when we started. I stated when there were sand courses in Oman. Today, we have world class championship courses to be proud of,” he said. “That’s why I’m optimistic about the future. There’s a lot of potential in Omani golf.”
Among those following in his footsteps is his son, Yusuf, who already competes in junior events across the region. “He’s passionate, and he’s got a great opportunity to learn the game the right way,” Azzan said. “As a father, it’s special to see that.”
Azzan believes Oman’s golfing community under Oman Golf Association is moving in the right direction — but that sustained support and visibility remain key.
“We have passionate people in the Oman Golf Association who are working hard to grow the game,” he said. “We just need to keep building momentum — more tournaments, more junior programmes, and more awareness.”
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining Oman’s profile as a golfing destination.
“We’ve hosted great events in the past, and I hope we can attract more in the future,” he said. “Oman has world-class courses and amazing scenery. When international players come here, they’re always impressed.”
Despite a busy schedule, Azzan remains deeply committed to the sport — both as a competitor and as a mentor. “As long as I can still contribute to the national team, I’ll keep playing,” he said. “And when the time comes, I’ll be happy to see the younger players take over. That’s how the game grows.”
Looking ahead, he’s already eyeing next year’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand.
“If I qualify again, it’ll be an honour,” he said. “Every time I tee off with Oman’s flag on my shirt, it feels like the first time — it’s a privilege that never fades.”
