Published on February 28, 2019

Matteo Manassero and Marcel Siem Are All-Aboard in this Year’s Oman Open, Hosted at Al Mouj Golf


Manassero strikes towards the 18th green from the catamaran on the Gulf of Oman.

Ahead of the Sultanate’s biggest sporting event, the Oman Open, European Tour player’s Matteo Manassero and Marcel Siem competed head-to-head in a golf challenge with a difference at host venue Al Mouj Golf.

With both players set to kick-start their seasons at the spectacular Greg Norman-designed layout, the European Tour winners boarded a catamaran from Al Mouj Marina and sailed out to test their accuracy and showcase the beauty of the Muscat coastline in an Oman inspired nearest-the-pin contest.

“That was a fun way to start the week,” commented Matteo Manassero, 4-time European Tour winner. “This tournament is renowned as being hosted on one of the most beautiful courses that we play on The European Tour, and to have another perspective on the 18th, hitting from the boat, was incredible. I think Marcel may have edged me with the nearest the pin, but hopefully, I’ll have my revenge the next few days!”

Siem celebrates hitting the winning shot.

Marcel Siem added, “This is my second trip to Oman and the golf course is one of my favourites of the year; the setting, along the coastline, is beautiful and it’s in great condition again. The 18th is an iconic finishing hole, and it was a cool experience to go out with Matteo and see it from the sea, especially as I managed to hit one close at the end!”

This challenge took place as Al Mouj prepares to host the second Oman Open, on one of the most-loved courses in the European Tour International Schedule.