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ANNOUNCING the December opening of the golf course at The Wave Muscat, Oman, CEO, Michael Lenarduzzi, said the course will act as a catalyst to drive international golf tourism to the sultanate as well as attracting students to the game. 'With an aim to position Oman as an international golfing destination and further develop the sport amongst local enthusiasts, today we are one step closer to hosting some of the world’s top golfing tournaments here in the sultanate,' said Lenarduzzi. He added that the course will provide a unique green golfing experience for players of all skill levels and is the main attraction of the $3-billion Wave integrated tourism project. Based on USPGA standards and at a length of 6,675 m, the 18-hole championship course blends seamlessly with the natural landscape and incorporates native species of dune grasses, shrubs and trees. Capturing the true essence of the ocean and Al Hajar mountains, golfing legend designer Greg Norman has sculpted a challenging course of varying hole lengths and configurations that will be a huge draw card for the sultanate and bringing in internationally-ranked players. 'The Wave, Muscat has assembled a world-class team comprising Greg Norman Golf Course Design and Southern Golf Oman to construct the centrepiece of the project and has recently appointed Dubai Golf as operator of the course,' said Lenarduzzi. 'Since the beginning, we have partnered with only the very best who not only share our love for the game but also our aspirations to build a quintessential golf course. 'With the end vision in mind, Greg and his team have adopted a hands-on approach by continuously visiting the site to ensure all specifications have been met, leaving no detail untouched. The design is challenging and playable, creating a memorable golf experience for players of all skill levels, a true Greg Norman signature.' In line with The Wave, Muscat’s principles of sustainable development and responsible tourism, the golf course is environmentally friendly and adopts a minimalist and ‘least disturbance’ approach to avoid damage to the natural landscape and wildlife. Both irrigation lakes have been successfully excavated by applying sustainable techniques for recycling water through a strategic partnership with Oman Waste Water Services and Haya Water. The course will offer ocean views with several holes lying directly adjacent to the sea, a driving range and short game practice facility along with a dedicated club house. In addition, golfers will have access to a wide range of facilities at The Wave, Muscat including five-star hotels, restaurants, retail shops and a 400-berth marina at Al Marsa Village.