A trio of Tournaments: North Africa Ladies, Nefertiti Cup, and the Egyptian International Open for Juniors

The mesmerizing Soma Bay Golf Course in Egypt recently played host to a trio of exhilarating international tournaments, captivating golfers from across the globe. Spanning three consecutive days from the 22nd of June till the 25th of June of the previous year, these tournaments included the highly anticipated North Africa Ladies Championship, the prestigious Egyptian International Open for ladies (also known as the Nefertiti Cup), and the thrilling Egyptian International Open for junior players. The events aimed to promote the sport of golf and showcase Egypt's burgeoning golf tourism industry, utilizing the pristine Soma Bay golf courses that boast breathtaking views of the Red Sea.

A Global Gathering of Golfing Nations

The tournaments witnessed the enthusiastic participation of ten countries, representing a diverse range of golfing talent. Alongside the host nation Egypt, teams from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and Oman converged at Soma Bay to showcase their skills on the picturesque fairways. This international gathering fostered a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition while promoting cultural exchange among the participating nations. Taymour Abou El Kheir, the Deputy Chairman of the Egyptian Golf Federation and a member of the Olympic Committee, expressed his immense pride in partnering with Soma Bay and The Cascades Soma Bay to organize these tournaments. Recognizing the vast potential of golf tourism in Egypt, Abou El Kheir highlighted Soma Bay's exceptional golf courses, luxurious hotels, and top-notch facilities that rival renowned golfing destinations worldwide. He envisioned the events as a catalyst for revitalizing golf tourism in Egypt, enticing travelers to explore the country's rich history and cultural heritage while indulging in the sport they love.

Sustainability and Stewardship: Soma Bay's Commitment 

Engineer Ibrahim El Masiri, representing Soma Bay and The Cascades Hotel, expressed sheer delight in hosting these tournaments. Emphasizing their continuous dedication to sustainability, the resort invested in developing the golf courses with the utmost care, integrating best practices to minimize environmental impact. By utilizing local plant species and implementing strategic water management systems, Soma Bay created an eco-friendly haven for golfers. These efforts not only preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings but also ensure a harmonious coexistence between the sport and the environment. The tournaments unfolded on the world-class golf course designed by legendary player Gary Player at The Cascades Soma Bay. This meticulously crafted course offered a unique and awe-inspiring experience, featuring stunning natural landscapes and challenging holes that put players' skills to the test at every turn. With its undulating fairways, strategically placed hazards, and breathtaking views of the Red Sea, the course provided an unforgettable backdrop for the tournaments, leaving a lasting impression on both participants and spectators alike.

Triumphs and Celebrations

The grand closing ceremony marked the culmination of the Egyptian International Junior and Ladies tournaments, filled with excitement and anticipation. Distinguished figures such as Nadia Ziyawar, the President of the Ladies' Golf North Africa Region, and members of the Egyptian Golf Federation's board, Maher Wahib and Mohamed Atallah, graced the occasion. Mohamed Fawzy, the General Manager of The Cascades Hotel, also joined the festivities.

The award ceremonies were the highlight of the evening, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the participants. The Moroccan team, Atlas Lions, emerged victorious in the fiercely contested North Africa Ladies Championship, clinching both the team and individual titles. Reem Emni, Sonia Yehia, and Abeer Tayebi claimed the top three spots, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination.

In the Egyptian International Junior Championship, player Mohamed Abu El Ela won the gold medal in the under-18 category, surpassing Jordanian player Hamza Salman in second place, and Tunisian player Ryan El-Jouli in third place.

Abdulrahman Dafrawy was crowned the champion in the under-13 category, securing the victory on the third and final day. Our player also took second place, followed by Jordanian player Salem Elabd Ellat in third place.

Moroccan player Sonia Behaia won the gold medal in the under-18 girls' category, followed by her compatriot Abeer Tayebi and Saudi player Logain Khalil in third place.

In the under-13 girls' category, Lara Bakhour from Lebanon won the gold medal, followed by the youngest participants in the championship, Egyptian player Sahar Murad in second place, and the silver medal.

In the U11 category, Murad Al-Ruwishda claimed first place, followed by Egyptian player Youssef Khalil in second place. Shatha Yasser won the gold medal for girls in the same category.

In the under-9 category, Jordanian player Youssef Al-Ramih took first place, while Jasmine Al-Husseiny won the gold medal for girls.