It’s been a superb week here in Morocco for the International Series event at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I’m a cynical sort but immediately after typing that preceding sentence and reading it back, I realised it was true.
In fact, this has been one of the very best golf tournaments I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. There’s been a brilliant atmosphere through the week and a general sense that everybody is doing something positive and having a good time. That’s a nice environment to be in and around.
It was a thrilling competitive spectacle with Bubba back to his (near) best and coming oh so close to stepping back into the winners’ circle. He was only beaten by brilliance from Taichi Kho of Hong Kong.
These are the five things that have impressed me most at my first International Series event.
The Standard of Play
It’s high. Obviously, you have some very experienced players in the field -major champions like Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia. But the general standard is exceptional. Watching any of the players on this challenging course, my (slightly) trained eye doesn’t discern a difference between them and the best on the PGA and DP World Tours.
I’ve seen some golfers out there this week who I think have the potential to secure a big win at the very highest level. Travis Smyth looks to me to have the “x factor.” He has a complete game, and he swings the club beautifully.
Others who I think play at the very highest level include Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, also Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho (the eventual champion). Those are all players I wouldn’t be surprised to see winning a major.
The Spectator Experience
It’s brilliant to watch golf of such quality. But what really makes it special is the fact you have such access as a spectator at this event. You can get right up close on the putting green and practice ground.
Then, on the course, although there are ropes, they are generous and there are always good vantage points around tees and greens to see everything.
I followed Bubba Watson for a round and saw every single shot as if I was inside the ropes (I wasn’t. I promise.)
The Level of Organisation
I’ve been fortunate in years gone by to have attended a number of Asia Pacific Amateur Championships and Latin America Amateur Championships. I’ve always said that, as they are co-organised by The R&A, The Masters and (with the Latin America) the USGA too, they are the best run tournaments in world golf – small but perfectly formed.
Well, the International Series comes pretty close. The team putting this together are phenomenal and they do a thoroughly superb job. Everything is planned and functions smoothly. Transport, timings, the media centre, scoring, food… everything is spot on.
The Quality of the Course
The Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam is one of the best championship golf courses I’ve ever seen. It’s a brilliant challenge and it’s in immaculate condition.
Two things I love about the Robert Trent Jones design, particularly for tournament golf – First, it’s tree lined and shaped on every hole so it really suits the shot maker. That means it identifies the most skilful golfers.
Second – the green complexes are amazing. They are hugely undulating with multiple pin options, either punishing or generous. It’s just a great test and the players seem to love it.
The Camaraderie
These guys are competing with one another and they, of course, are trying to beat the hell out of the opposition. But that doesn’t prevent them being pals.
I’ve loved seeing the camaraderie between the players this week. They all travel together, eat together, face the challenges of being a touring professional golfer together. That’s refreshing to see.
There’s also a great rapport between the tournament staff and the players. They all know each other well and share the experiences of travelling the world with the International Series.
I have loved every minute of my first International Series tournament and I very much hope I will have the chance to attend more of them in future.
