The Mena Golf Tour, the Middle East and North Africa’s sole professional golf circuit recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), has garnered high praise from five-time major champion Rory McIlroy. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, McIlroy emphasized the Tour’s significance in creating opportunities for regional players to advance to the sport’s highest levels. ‘Any region that provides pathways for players to reach bigger stages is a really good thing,’ McIlroy stated. The Tour’s relaunch begins later this month with Q School in Portugal, followed by a series of events across Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and the GCC, offering guaranteed, tax-free prize funds of $100,000 per event. Additionally, the Q-Sprint event provides newcomers a chance to qualify for the latter half of the season, with a $50,000 purse. The Tour’s Chairman and Commissioner, Keith Waters, expressed pride in McIlroy’s endorsement, highlighting the Tour’s commitment to fostering talent through a player-first approach, fast payouts, and strategic event routing. The Mena Golf Tour not only offers OWGR points for professionals but also World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points for elite amateurs, further solidifying its role as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring golfers in the region.