RYDER CUP STAR SET FOR JORDAN TOURNAMENT

 One of Europe’s most charismatic golfers will head the field when Aqaba’s Ayla Golf Course hosts its first ever MENA Tour event next weekend.

Darren Clarke is one of the most recognisable faces in the world of golf, having won 21 tournaments worldwide including the British Open major back in 2011.

The Northern Irishman was a member of five consecutive European Ryder Cup teams from 1997-2006 and was named captain of the European team for last year’s edition.

The event will welcome the leading golfers who are playing the regional tour as well as some of Jordan’s best talent, including 13-year-old Shergo Kurdi who has qualified in his own right.

Asad Al Rawashdeh and Tareq Al Ghababsheh will also represent Jordan in Aqaba.

The tournament will offer players the chance to qualify to big events on the European Tour with a top three finish as well as provide valuable ranking points. Meanwhile, Hani Al Abdullat has received an invitation from the Tour’s organising committee to participate in the Ayla event, having become one of only three Arab referees to complete all of his courses.

The tournament will showcase the state-of-the-art Ayla Golf Course, which was designed by Greg Norman, like never before as it bids to break into the world of hosting more events in the future.