The International Series is ‘committed to the growth of local golf talent in Morocco’

International Series Morocco is an important milestone in the development of local and regional golfers eager to pursue a career at the top of the game, as it gives them the chance to learn and to test themselves against the world’s best.

Local professionals Ayoub Lguirati, Othman Raouzi, Ahmed Marjan and Ayoub Id-Omar were joined by promising young amateurs Hugo Mazen Trommetter, Adam Bresnu, Soufiane Dahmane, Youssef El Hali, Aissa Elkhadri and Sinan Melhli in a field which also contained nine LIV Golf League players, major champions, Ryder Cup stars and the cream of the Asian Tour.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, explained the commitment to developing local talent. He said: “One of the pillars of The International Series is to bring the best players in the world alongside the best of the Asian Tour and also give a big opportunity to young regional talent.

“A number of up-and-coming players here from Morocco would not normally get the opportunity to play alongside the best in the world and as they pursue their dreams to play professional golf, this is the best opportunity we can provide them with. It is exciting, it is exactly what we want to see at every tournament on The International Series - a good mix of players across the board all competing for a really important prize.”

Singh singled out local hero Lguirati, who narrowly missed the cut this year after finishing T28 overall in 2022, a result which gave him entry to several other events on The International Series.

He said: “Take the example of Ayoub Lguirati – he was with us in Morocco two years ago and then he got the opportunity to play in other tournaments such as in Egypt and Indonesia. That is the kind of growth we want to see. He is a great example of how the local talent has the opportunity to become more global with the right exposure.

“Experience is everything but even more than that, what we see in sports is the importance of heroes. For all these local players who have not yet seen things from a global perspective, they are suddenly in the same place as their heroes.

“They are going to learn from them and absorb what goes on behind the scenes with the best players in every aspect: mentality, training, food and management. This will help them grow and that’s what we want to see.

“We want to see these players grow and we consider ourselves on The International Series as a tour that nurtures talent, that celebrates the local players in every country we visit, and this aspect is very much a part of our efforts to grow the game of golf globally.

“We want to encourage local talent to flourish and we also believe these opportunities will foster growth in the next generation of golfing talent.”

Lguirati and fellow pro Raouzi both believe golf is making great progress in the country.

Of the nine players competing at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, amateur Trommetter missed the cut by just two shots, but had 10 birdies over two days while Lguirati was a shot further behind after posted eight birdies in two rounds. He finished on the same score as the amateur duo of Adam Bresnu and Soufiane Dahmane.

With the iconic Red Course baring its teeth, it was an impressive performance by the local contingent, many of whom are benefitting from the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation’s ‘Road to the Tour’ programme, launched in 2021 to identify young talent at an early age and guide them towards international tournaments.  

Lguirati said: “International Series Morocco is an important event for the players in the region and it helps the development of our country’s professionals and amateurs.”

The Asian Development Tour player, who has received support from the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation throughout both his amateur and professional careers, added: “We have all gained some incredible experience here this year, and we will all learn from this and grow.”

Raouzi said: “International Series Morocco was a wonderful experience, we were able to compete with the very best and I think we will all leave with lasting memories. While it has helped this current generation of locals and professionals, it will also encourage the next generation and create real interest in the sport in Morocco.”

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