Scotland’s First Minister fosters partnership between Scotland and UAE golf
The First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, lent his support to the growing partnership between Scottish and UAE golf ahead of the visit by ‘The Home of Golf’s’ elite amateur squad later this month.
Leading amateur golfers representing Scotland – ‘The Home of Golf’, will return to the UAE for the second successive year on 18th November, for a month of warm weather training and activities designed to enhance ties with the UAE national squad.
Golf was invented in Scotland and the country continues to be ‘The Home of Golf’ and the global mecca of the game. Scotland’s choice to send the future of its professional representation to the UAE and one of the world’s finest golf facilities, Yas Links Golf Club, illustrates the growing significance of the Middle East and the UAE in particular as a leading golf destination.
‘The Home of Golf in the UAE’ programme has received support from the highest levels of the Scottish Government and the Emirates Golf Federation with a long term ambition to forge ever strengthening links between Scotland and the UAE in a golfing context.
Speaking at the start of his official visit to the UAE (1st November 2011), Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond said, “I am delighted that the SGU have chosen for the second time to hold their training camp for the Scottish squad here in Abu Dhabi.
“Not only will this be a great opportunity for the Scottish squad to benefit from the fantastic facilities and weather, but also a chance for the SGU to share their wisdom with the UAE’s national team to help develop the sport here.
“This is another example of how we are strengthening ties between Scotland and the UAE.
“Exporting our rich heritage of golf to those parts of the world where interest in the sport will certainly generate valuable golf and tourism links between us and I look forward to watching our relationship grow.”
One of the main goals of the programme is to foster a closer partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation. The schedule of activities will include an international test match between the two countries and a number of elite coaching clinics in an effort to develop talent in the UAE.
HE Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman of Emirates Golf Federation said, “Scotland’s amateur squad has had many successes in recent years so we really appreciate their insight in an effort to develop golf in this country.”
