Golfing legend and world renowned course designer Greg Norman made a site visit to The Wave Muscat last Sunday (July 3) and pronounced: “This is one of the finest golf courses I have ever produced anywhere in the world.”
The Great White Shark spent most of the day examining each of the 18 holes on the course with his GWSE design team and said he couldn’t have been more pleased with the progress that had been made since his last visit.
The Australian winner of two British Open Championships and 84 events worldwide commented: “This visit has enabled me to do a little fine-tuning and some tweaking of certain holes but no major changes are required.”
Along with Michael Lenarduzzi, CEO of The Wave Muscat, and Christopher May, General Manager of Dubai Golf, who manage The Wave, Norman told the assembled media that 12 holes had now been grassed and that the course was getting close to completion.
“We’re looking forward to the opening of the course,” said Norman, who was the World Number One for 331 weeks during his illustrious career. “Being only 15 minutes from Oman International Airport and Muscat City Centre The Wave could not be more conveniently positioned and with its spectacular setting alongside the ocean with the Hajeer Mountains in the background inland it has all the advantages it could wish for.
“We have created a magnificent championship-standard golf course worthy of hosting a prestigious world-class tournament, perhaps a European Tour event, in the near future.”
Christopher May commented that, “The Greg Norman Golf Course Design team, Dubai Golf and The Wave Muscat, are committed to encouraging new golfers to take up the game and providing opportunities for youngsters and beginners to start learning to play golf at The Wave Academy. We are delighted to see the progress that has been made with both the course and the academy and are looking forward to using our extensive regional experience to create a world class golf facility.”
Michael Lenarduzzi added that after five years of planning and construction The Wave was looking forward to the course opening and playing a vital role in the future development of golf in Oman.
Greg Norman concluded: “I always design a course from the beginning with the end in mind and I am proud of the magnificent golf course we are close to completing here. I believe Oman has an exciting future as a golf tourism destination and I am pleased to be playing a part in the Sultanate’s golfing future.
“We want to get as many people in Oman playing golf as we possibly can and The Wave will provide the ideal facility for juniors and beginners to discover what a fun sport golf really is. We have designed The Wave in such a way that it can be played by the world’s best players and the average golfer. It will be an enjoyable challenge for all levels of golfer.”
Greg Norman Golf Course Design www.gngcd.com
Dubai Golf www.dubaigolf.com
The Wave Muscat Golf Course www.thewavemuscat.com/Overview/GolfCourse.aspx