During this year’s Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic, Ladies European Tour professional golfer, Inci Mehmet, took time out of her schedule to give twin sisters Salama and Latifa Al Jassmy an exclusive coaching clinic, whilst discussing the growth of the game in Dubai amongst young Emirati girls.
Her experience was captured as part of a short film, presented by DP World, highlighting the importance of championing female role models as a way of inspiring the next generation of young players in the region.
“I love doing clinics like this, it’s so rewarding to see girls being inspired” said Inci. “Having a role model is super important and I really hope Salama and Latifa will be motivated to continue their training and carry on enjoying the game. Hopefully one day I’ll be seeing them on the Ladies European Tour!”
Speaking about the importance of women’s golf events to promote the game of golf, Inci continued: “The Moonlight Classic is a great example of the tournaments we need to help promote female golf. Co-sanctioning events is a brilliant step forward because it’s something different and it gives us a slightly higher platform. Ultimately, we need to see more women’s events in the future.”
Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General, Emirates Golf Federation said: “I’ve seen first-hand how more and more girls are being introduced to the game of golf and are loving it. It’s important for them to have role models like Inci who they can learn so much from, especially through fantastic coaching clinics like this.”
Latifa and Salama, who are nine years old, joined the Emirates Golf Federation talent development programme four years ago and have been training and playing in regional tournaments since then. They discussed their experience of golf in Dubai with Inci who commented. “I think the girls are incredibly lucky to be supported by the Emirates Golf Federation.”
She was also complimentary of the player development initiatives that DP World invests in, adding: “It’s so lovely to see grassroots programmes like this, especially out here in Dubai, but of course we always need more. There can never be enough!”
