Dubai: Ahmad Al Musharrakh says he will not just be there to make up the numbers when the Egyptian Open gets under way at the Mirage City Golf Club in Cairo from Wednesday to Friday.
The UAE golfer became the first UAE national to qualify for the event where a strong field, spearheaded by world number nine Rory McIlroy, will contest for a share in the $250,000 prize money.
Not happy with his performance at the recent Arab Golf Championship where the UAE team finished seventh, Al Musharrakh is determined to make amends.
"I played well there, but only in patches. I know I need to be more focused when you play golf at this level," said Al Musharrakh, who plays off a plus two handicap.
Challenge
"What happened in Tunisia is history. I am looking forward to the new challenge ahead. I have learned from my mistakes and, hopefully, I will be able to come up with good results."
Al Musharrakh had shown glimpses of his talent at the Egyptian Amateur Open — the qualifying round for the Egyptian Open — where he raked in a top-five finish he needed to qualify. Consistency was the key as he shot rounds of 72, 76 and 72 to finish fourth on a gross 220, just five shots off winner Eddie Pepperell of England.
Saeed Al Budoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, said Al Musharrakh has the stuff to make his presence felt at the Egyptian Open, but "it will all depend on how he maintains his composure and stays focused on the job. Whatever the results, the experience of playing in such a strong field will certainly go a long way in honing his competitive edge. I wish him all the best."