Oman Golf Association appoints new coach

Muscat: The Oman Golf Association (OGA) unveiled the new national team coach, Richard Michelmore, at the Oman Olympic Committee headquarters on Wednesday.

The press conference also featured a meet-and-greet session with the national team players, which provided the coaches with an opportunity to interact with the players and learn about their preparation and future aspirations.

Welcoming the attendees, OGA Vice President Faiz Mohammed Riyad said: “I am honoured to stand before you today to celebrate our national team and introduce one of the great figures of our association.”

Riyadh stressed that golf has made great progress in the Sultanate thanks to various programs targeting young people and schools, as well as efforts to promote the sport among girls. He also expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sayyid Taiazin bin Haitham Al Sayyid, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, for his continuous support and follow-up.

“It is the passion and dedication of our national team players that has taken them to where they are today, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. Each of you embodies the spirit of excellence and leadership of our country,” Riad added.

Introducing the new coach, the OGA Vice President continued, “Today we are pleased to introduce our new Coach and Director of Golf, Richard Michelmore. With an outstanding career and a proven track record of developing talent and strengthening teamwork, Richard brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our team. We are confident that under his leadership, our players will reach new levels of excellence.”

Oman Golf Association appoints new coach

The role of the new coach

Riad spoke about the new coach’s role, saying, “In the dual role of coach and director, your vision and strategic thinking will be critical in guiding our program and strengthening our operations. We are excited to have you join us and look forward to the positive impact you will bring.”

“I would like to remind our national team players that Oman and everyone at the Oman Golf Association is extremely proud of you. Your hard work, discipline and achievements are to be admired. You have not only represented yourself; you have been ambassadors for our country, showcasing the talent and resilience that makes us so special.”

New coach Richard Michelmore expressed his joy at joining the national golf team, saying: “It is a great honour to be here, to develop plans for the future of Omani golf and to develop the national team. Our goal is to inject great energy and enthusiasm into the sport of golf in Oman.”

Michelmore discussed his sporting background and career, saying: “I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, and played for the national junior golf team and the Springboks. I later played college golf at the University of South Florida in the United States on a full scholarship, where I won several tournaments, including the Florida State Classic.”

Oman Golf Association appoints new coach

He expressed his passion for coaching, saying, “I used to be a professional golfer and played golf for eight years. In life, you have to try new things, and I found my true passion in coaching.”

Michelmore noted the importance of developing golf in schools, saying: “The main goal is to get people across the country really interested in golf and promote it effectively. We need to start by getting people to try golf, especially in schools. Children need to see and experience golf. By showing them the game and giving them the opportunity to try it, we can set an example for them and make them feel that they too can be successful in the sport.”

Wishing a bright future for golf in Oman, he said: “I am looking forward to doing well with the talent and high standard of golf here. I am looking forward to winning some gold medals in the future.”

Photo: Hussein al Muqbali