When the world’s top golfers tee off on Thursday at a $3.5 million tournament in the Kingdom, one Saudi family will be there and watching with special interest.

Raghdah Al-Essawi and her daughter Layla, 16, were part of the Saudi Golf Federation national team who competed at the Pan Arabia Golf Championship in Egypt last year.

Now, with father Mohammed Al-Telmissani and son Omar, 11, the whole family have been invited to see the sport’s superstars compete in the Saudi International Golf Tournament at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

Raghdah is a schoolteacher who started playing golf at the club only a year ago. “There’s not many people, especially ladies, who play golf or even try playing golf in Saudi Arabia,” she said. “But it is such an easy sport to get hooked on. It’s a great family activity.”

For daughter Layla, the goal is already clear. “My dream is to become the first Saudi woman professional,” she said.

At 11, Omar is a little young to be winning tournaments — it’s all about hitting the ball as far as he can.  “Golf is really fun to play,” he said. “It’s exciting hitting a good shot.”

Father Mohammed said: “For me, what I love about golf is just the time it gives me to spend with my family.

“We are out on the golf course, mobile phones are away, and it’s just great time together.”

SOURCE : ARABNEWS