One of a handful of players pursuing a sport which is still alien to the Afghan culture, Hashmatullah Sarwaree made headlines after CNN highlighted his struggle to keep the game alive in his country against all odds.
Following up on CNN’s report, golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organizers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, has extended the 21-year-old prodigy a special invitation to watch the European Tour event along with his coach Mohammad Afzal Abdullah in a move which could help the cause of golf in Afghanistan.
During his week-long stay in Dubai, Hashmatullah will have the opportunity to meet Woods, who is aiming for his third victory to match Ernie Els’ feat in his sixth visit to the emirate since 2001.
“If the news of this young boy meeting Tiger can provide a boost to golf in Afghanistan, we would be more than delighted,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, adding: “We were impressed by Hasmantullah’s interview with CNN where he talked highly of Tiger and how the young golfers look up to him for inspiration.
“That’s when the idea of inviting him to Dubai was born. It’s a tribute to the Afghan people that despite difficult times they haven’t forgotten how to smile,” said Buamaim who also lauded CNN, one of golf in DUBAi’s key sponsors, in highlighting golf in Afghanistan.
Rani R. Raad, Senior Vice President, CNN International, said: “It’s always exciting when a story on CNN makes an impact. ‘golf in DUBAi’s gesture is a wonderful opportunity for  this talented young sportsman and will no doubt raise the profile of the sport in Afghanistan further.
“CNN is covering the Omega Dubai Desert Classic as part of its golfing coverage, and is planning a follow up story with Hashmatullah.”
In a battle-scarred land where the mines, the bombs and suicide attacks can end life in an instant, playing outdoor sports requires a brave heart, but Hashmatullah is unfazed by the ‘hazards’ on and off the course.
Invigorated and inspired by the exploits of Woods, whom he regularly watches on TV, Hashmatullah took to golf when he was four and since then he has been honing his skills under the tutelage of Afzal Abdullah, the founder of the course and the only pro at the Kabul Golf Club.
Once the scene of clashes between rival Mujahideen factions in 1990s, the nine-hole course was opened in 2004 and requires special skills and attitude to conquer it. “We have nine holes and we change the tees to make it 18. You have got to attack since it’s a rugged course, bereft of grass, and the ‘greens’ are brown — a compacted combination of sand and motor oil.
'golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jumeirah, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.