Arcapita donates new golf facility to promote golf in Bahrain

The facility has been donated to the Kingdom by Arcapita Bank, and is the first step in the establishment of a Bahrain golf academy to develop the game of golf in Bahrain. Arcapita has previously supported the development of golf in the Kingdom with its two year sponsorship of the Arcapita Seniors Tour Championship at Riffa Views.

"Arcapita is very pleased to have been able to support the construction of this new driving range which is part of an ongoing community initiative to develop the sport of golf in Bahrain," said Arcapita's Chief Executive, Mr Atif Abdulmalik at the ceremony. "Arcapita has formed a committee with Bahrain International Golf Course Company (BIGCC) and Riffa Views to co-operate in developing golf amongst the youth of Bahrain. The opening of the Hunainiya Range is the first important step towards achieving that goal."

"Making golf practice facilities more accessible to people of all nationalities and economic backgrounds is an important objective for BIGCC," explained their representative, Michael Braidwood. "Our aim is to encourage young Bahrainis to take up this wonderful sport and look forward to seeing them enjoying these fantastic new amenities at Bahrain Golf Club."

Abdulla Sultan Al-Hakam and Khalifa Faris Al-Marisi, representatives of the Bahrain Senior and Junior National Teams respectively, played the opening shots on the new 250-yard range which boasts 24 shaded bays and floodlights for night practice. Mr Abdulmalik then unveiled a commemorative statue, which will stand at the entrance to the range.

In his thank you speech, Diab Sager Al Noaimi, vice president of the Bahrain Golf Federation said "We are very grateful to Arcapita, BIGCC and Riffa Views for funding and building this driving range for the people of Bahrain. I am sure it will encourage many young people to try out the game, and in time, we hope to see Bahrainis winning recognition for the country on the world stage of golf."

Following the opening ceremony, dignitaries and guests were treated to a golf trick-shot show performed by world champion Geoff Swain and his partner, Kevin Carpenter. The pair executed some dazzling golf stunts as well as divulging top tips, humorous anecdotes and impressions from the world of golf and beyond.