O'MEARA out to make a mark in Hassan II Golf Trophy BY EMAAR

DUBAI, Oct 19 – Mark O'Meara turns 51 early next year, but the two-time Major winner hasn't lost his appetite for action as he signs up for the forthcoming Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar to be held in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, from October 24 to 28.

Since finishing his regular US PGA Tour last year with a birdie, the super-fit O'Meara is devoting his time exclusively to the Champions Tour, except for the Masters and British Open.

As a former champion of both majors, he can play Augusta National as long as he wants and the British Open until he's 65. "There comes a time when you have to move on," O'Meara said.

"But I feel like I can still get the ball around a little bit," said O'Meara ahead of the Hassan II Golf Trophy, being promoted and organised jointly by golf in DUBAI and the Hassan II Golf Trophy Society.

"I think I must thank 'golf in DUBAI' for inviting me to the event in Morocco and believing in my ability to (still) compete at this high level. It will be a great fun to play there. I am looking forward to enjoying my stay in Rabat," said O'Meara who is also one of the golf in DUBAI brand ambassadors.

"I have been a regular to Dubai and from my personal experience I can say the standards of excellence set by golf in DUBAI during the Dubai Desert Classic will echo in Rabat as well and all players will return home with fond memories of Morocco," he said

With 29 victories world-wide, including 16 on the US PGA Tour under his belt, O'Meara would compete in a star-studded field, spearheaded by world number seven Padraig Harrington, in what promises to be an intriguing battle in the sun.

The organizers were equally delighted to have a player of the stature of O'Meara in the field. "At present, Mark may be playing with guys of his own age, but he still likes his golf and, I am sure, he will give the present generation of players a run for their money," said Mohamed Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI on behalf of the organizers.

"We want golf in the Arab world to flourish and gain in popularity among 'locals' and we believe the presence of a player of the stature of Mark O'Meara will go a long way in providing a major boost to the game," he said.

Since its inauguration in 1971, the Hassan II Golf Trophy has attracted some of the finest players in the game and has helped launch the careers of the likes of Payne Stewart, Vijay Singh and David Toms.

Golf, first introduced to Morocco in the 1920s and has since developed into a national passion, thanks to the unflinching support of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, chairman of Hassan II Golf Trophy Society. Last year, Scotland's Sam Torrance beat French Raphaël Jacquelin in a playoff to win the Hassan II Golf Trophy.