Ismail Sharif and Rory McIlroy share a bond forged through mutual respect and a shared passion for golf.

Ismail Sharif is a prominent figure in UAE golf, having won the national championship seven times and served as a former professional golfer. His dedication to the sport extends beyond his playing career, as he now works as Dubai Golf’s Business Development Director. Ismail’s journey is characterized by his profound love for the game, his commitment to his country, and his efforts to nurture the future of golf in the UAE through various initiatives.

One of the most poignant moments in Ismail’s career occurred during the final day of the 2024 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Rory McIlroy’s victory, which matched the record of the legendary Seve Ballesteros, highlighted a deep connection between two generations of golfers. McIlroy’s emotional reaction to his achievement deeply resonated with Ismail, who had a close relationship with Ballesteros.

“I was waiting to congratulate Rory after his win,” Ismail recalled. “When the media asked him about equaling Seve’s record, I saw tears in his eyes. I listened closely as he spoke about Seve, and his emotions were palpable.” The mention of Ballesteros, who was both a hero and a friend to Ismail, brought tears to his own eyes. “It was a deeply touching moment for me, as Seve was my hero and a dear friend. I felt what Rory was experiencing, and it was both moving and special.”

For Ismail, the connection between Ballesteros and McIlroy symbolized a profound emotional bond to the game. Witnessing McIlroy, whom he considers a close friend, carry forward the legacy of Ballesteros was a poignant moment. McIlroy’s victory, particularly in the context of matching Ballesteros’s six Race to Dubai titles, was something Ismail cherished deeply.

“Rory’s win was a significant success for the tournament,” Ismail noted. “He is a major figure in the DP World Tour, and his connection to Dubai makes his victories even more special.” Ismail has witnessed many remarkable moments on the golf course, but few stand out like his observations of McIlroy. Reflecting on their time together during the Abu Dhabi Pro-Am, Ismail spoke about McIlroy’s dedication to his game and his natural confidence, which shines through whenever he plays at his best.

Ismail believes that McIlroy’s success is not just due to his skill but also to the joy he exudes while playing. “He is very dedicated to his game, and when he plays well, you can easily see that he is enjoying it. This is what I always notice about him,” Ismail said. “During the Pro-Am in Abu Dhabi, I saw his confidence and his relentless pursuit of victory.”

As a leading figure in UAE golf for over two decades, Ismail has been instrumental in the growth of the sport in the region. His mentorship, both on and off the course, has helped position the UAE as a golfing hub, with events like the DP World Tour Championship playing a significant role in that evolution. For Ismail, success is not just about the events but also about the people.

“Success will not come if you do not earn the trust of the people,” Ismail emphasized. “The residents and visitors of the UAE trust us implicitly, and that trust motivates us to ensure that every event in the UAE is a success.”

Ismail’s journey in golf is an inspiring legacy. He began playing golf later in life but went on to win seven national titles and turn professional, not for personal glory but to inspire young Emirati golfers. “I didn’t turn professional to play on the tour. I wanted to show our youth that if I, who started playing golf at 30, could achieve success, so could they—and they could do even better,” he explained. “I am happy knowing that I have done everything I could to support the sport in my country.”

Golf in the UAE has flourished, not just because of world-class courses but also due to an open and inclusive approach. “We didn’t create private golf courses; we opened the door to everyone,” Ismail said. With 12 top-class golf courses in Dubai alone, Ismail is proud of how accessible the game has become.

“Dubai is unique because it has 12 golf courses within the city, all within 20-30 minutes of each other,” he noted. “This accessibility makes Dubai special—not just in golf, but in any field.”

Reflecting on McIlroy’s achievements, Ismail praised the Northern Irishman’s dedication. “Rory’s consistency and drive to win are exceptional,” Ismail said. “As a multiple-time national champion, I can attest that this mindset is what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Rory is a great example of that.”

Looking to the future, Ismail believes the DP World Tour Championship will continue to evolve as a cornerstone event in the UAE’s golf calendar. He sees the event not only as a platform for showcasing world-class talent but also as a chance to highlight the UAE’s growth as a global golf destination.

Ismail’s journey is a testament to his profound dedication to the sport, his country, and the people of the UAE. His passion for golf is undeniable, and as the game continues to grow, Ismail Sharif’s influence will remain pivotal.

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com