Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
What are your thoughts about developing golf in Bahrain?
Bahrain has a considerable tradition in golf and like all the region's countries now have grass golf courses. With the correct encouragement and proper tuition it may not be too long before Bahrain is producing golfers good enough to play professionally.
What do you think about the proposed new Riffa Views golf course?
Michael Braidwood showed me the new course today at Riffa Views. Colin Montgomery has done an excellent job in utilising the topography and has paid respect to the local, windy conditions. I think it will provide an excellent and interesting test. Furthermore, the par 3 course that is under construction will be a great course for junior players and new golfers to develop their games.
How can you and the R&A help?
Now that I have visited Bahrain I will take ideas Michael and I have discussed back to St Andrews for consideration. We are particularly interested in helping your young golfers and see them have the opportunity to play and practice regularly.
If funding support was possible how much approximately could come our way and when would a decision be made?
I would expect a decision on funding and support to be made later this year.
How could the funding be used to develop the sport here?
As previously mentioned our interest is particularly in helping the younger players - they are the key to Bahrain raising its profile in golf globally.
Can you envisage a Bahraini one day winning a Major championship, and if so, how long would it take with the right support, guidance and training before we uncovered our own Arab Tiger Woods (or Monty!)?
Anything is possible - who would have thought 30 years ago that a player from Fiji, Vijay Singh, would have achieved all he has in the game? However, the chances of a Bahraini winning a major will be enhanced dramatically by more people playing the game here.
In addition, Bahrain should do all it can to play golf as a nation abroad in events like the Eisenhower Trophy (the men's World Amateur Team Championships). Exposure to top level competition will play a strong part in moving forward.
