Golf is a game of peace, says Saudi female coach

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s first female golf coach has passed on her favorite playing tips to eager visitors at a ladies day event held in conjunction with the 2022 Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by the Public Investment Fund at King Abdullah Economic City, near Jeddah.

Reem Al-Gobaisi, who was announced as the Kingdom’s first female golf coach by Golf Saudi last November, told Arab News that she took up the sport three years ago after being inspired by her father. “He had been playing golf since I was a child and he advised me to try the game. I liked it,” she said. “My father supported me to reach where I am.” Originally from Riyadh, Al-Gobaisi is also a professional player at Al-Nassr Tennis Club.

• Reem Al-Gobaisi is furthering the achievements of Saudi women in sports by coaching children and teenagers aged from 5 to 18. She also coaches women players at the Royal Greens Golf Club.

• The Saudi coach cites US pro Tiger Woods as her role model in the sport and says she likes the sport because the green golf course helps her feel calm.

“But after I experienced golf, I was hooked and kind of ignored all the other sports I was playing and focused more on golf.” Al-Gobaisi’s interest in golf grew when the sport began to be developed in the Kingdom and international tournaments started to take place. “International tournaments opened the door for us to learn from professional golfers and to exchange knowledge,” she said. “I see a lot of Saudi women and youngsters loving the sport already, and I think it has a promising future in the country.” Al-Gobaisi is furthering the achievements of Saudi women in sports by coaching children and teenagers aged from 5 to 18 through Golf Saudi’s golf education programs.