ABU DHABI // Ahmed Al Musharrekh, the Emirati who last month became the UAE's first professional golfer, says he plans to use last week's disappointment to motivate him throughout the rest of the Mena Tour.
The 22 year old was the centre of attention coming into the Dubai Creek Open - this season's opening event - yet struggled badly with rounds of 81 and 75 to miss the cut by six shots.
Al Musharrekh has had much to contend with since announcing his decision to join the paid ranks, with enhanced media commitments and conjecture regarding his move only increasing the level of expectation.
However, having arrived today in the capital to contest the Abu Dhabi Golf Citizen Open, Al Musharrekh is intent on cutting a more relaxed figure on the course.
"Last week was overwhelming," he said. "There was so much going on in the build-up that it contributed to how I performed.
"I'm not saying the pressure has gone and I'm going to excel, but I realise it's a process and understand how different professional golf is.
"I'll try and enjoy these next five weeks and not have too much expectation. I want to do well, but not put too much pressure on myself."
Al Musharrekh faces a difficult task this week, with another strong field taking to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Players of European Tour experience in Stephen Dodd and Zane Scotland head the roster, with the latter, the winner at Dubai Creek, looking to defend the title he secured here last year.
"I'm really pleased with my game and I like this course as I practise here quite a bit," Scotland said. "I guess that's a slight advantage but, although it's great to win last week, if you don't capitalise on that it doesn't mean much.
"So the pressure's still on."
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Porsche Taycan Turbo specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
