Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia keen to inspire next generation ahead of International Series Oman
Ahead of the first round at the International Series Oman, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Sihwan Kim and Azzan Al Rumhy shared their thoughts.
Taking the game of golf to new places is something the International Series and Asian Tour prides itself on as they aim to grow the game of golf and inspire the next generation both throughout Asia and beyond.
Four-time Major Champion Koepka said: “I think bringing these guys here, bringing the likes of Sergio and Louis, guys like that, the fact that they're here shows that we're looking to make this as good as possible. Hopefully these young kids can come out and enjoy it and watch these guys play, and who knows maybe that’s the next guy that's up here.”
Last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit Champion Kim, said: “I've been here a couple of times and it's always been in good shape. It’s firming up, and with the wind supposed to pick up a little bit tomorrow and Friday, I think it's going to continue to firm up, and just those shots towards the green with a lot of false fronts and stuff like that, it's going to be a little tricky.”
The second season of the series is seen to provide a pathway for golfers on the Asian Tour. Garcia discussed his love for the game and how important it is to engage with the next generation of future golfers. Garcia said: “I grew up idolising Olazábal and Ballesteros, and remember when I think I was seven years old and they played the Spanish Open at El Saler and I was able to meet them and take a picture with them, for me it was a dream come true.
“Any kid that can come out and watch us play and enjoy us and take a picture with us or get a signature or something like that, it's always going to help the game, and hopefully light a little flame in their desire to play the game. That's always very welcome.”
