After fifty years, Iraq’s Open Golf Championship has finally returned, bringing back excitement to the country’s sports scene. The long-awaited tournament began on Monday at the Erbil Hills Golf Course, where thirty-six golfers competed for top honors.
This event spans three days and is hosted at Iraq’s only 18-hole course, located in the Kurdistan Region. The championship represents a turning point for the sport, which had nearly disappeared because of wars and instability. Moreover, its comeback shows Iraq’s growing interest in developing new athletic programs and international competitions.
Omar Sahib, one of the players, expressed his delight after the first round. He said that the weather and course conditions were perfect for competition. Furthermore, he hoped to improve his score on the second day and praised the tournament’s strong organization.
Another competitor, Ghazal Karar, shared her satisfaction with the opening day’s results. She said completing 18 holes in just four and a half hours was a solid start. Additionally, she noted that many players performed better than expected and looked forward to even higher scores in the next round.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Golf Federation President, Hamid Hanoun, applauded the Erbil Hills course for meeting international standards. He explained that players compete in two nine-hole rounds to complete 18 holes, similar to global tournaments. Therefore, Iraq now qualifies for official international golf rankings.
Hanoun emphasized that Iraq’s Open Golf Championship is more than a local event; it’s a major leap toward reviving the sport. He stated that the tournament highlights Iraq’s capability to organize world-class sporting events. Furthermore, he believes the success in Erbil will encourage young athletes to pursue golf seriously.
The championship continues through Wednesday and has already gained strong public attention. Spectators are attending in large numbers, celebrating the sport’s long-awaited revival. In addition, organizers hope this event will boost tourism and sports investment across Iraq.
Through Iraq’s Open Golf Championship, the country is proving its ability to blend tradition with progress. This return of golf not only revives a forgotten sport but also reflects Iraq’s determination to create a new future filled with athletic spirit and international recognition.
