Ambitious Khaled Attieh will be aiming for a cracking start to the MENA Golf Tour Wednesday when he tees off in the season-opening Royal Golf Mohammedia Open by HLO in Morocco.

The young Saudi Arabian prodigy joins a rich assortment of players in the amateur division, determined to showcase his burgeoning talent and fast-track the growth of the game in the region.

“I have been down this route before – and know what to expect,” said the 21-year-old, a two-time winner of the Sheikh Maktoum Golf Foundation Award which is presented to the best amateur from the MENA region after each tour event.

“The experience that you gain from playing alongside an international field is something unique for the region’s players, especially the amateurs. I know I can compete at this level. The confidence is there,” said the Saudi ace, who plans to turn professional when “the time is right”. The MENA Golf Tour could well serve as a stepping-stone for his gofling dream.

“If I stay focused and not get too carried away, I might be able to get to professional level one day. I think every player dreams of playing at the highest level and the MENA Tour provides the perfect route for those dreams to become a reality,” added Attieh, who earlier this year competed in the Australian Master at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

“Joining the professional ranks has been an ambition of mine and I’m going to give it everything I can to fulfil that ambition. It will also give a big boost to the game back home and, hopefully, inspire young kids to take to the sport,” added Attieh, a former student of Dubai American Academy, who also played in the 2011 Omega
Dubai Desert Classic after winning a qualifier.

“With the MENA Golf Tour expanding its schedule every year, the region’s talent can’t complain of playing opportunities.

“It is the best thing that has happened for the overall development of the game in the Arab world.

“The goal is to eventually get into contention week in and week out and then eventually start winning golf tournaments.”