(Richard Rayment on Left)
The MENA Golf Tour, a key development platform for professional and amateur golfers in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced a new general manager in a significant move to revitalize the organization. Richard Rayment, a veteran of the golf world with over three decades of international experience, has been appointed to lead the tour's "relaunch with a fresh vision."
Rayment, an Australian native, brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive career, which began 35 years ago when he co-founded a sports management company in Munich. His career spans player representation, sponsorship acquisition, event organization, and commercial strategy. A pioneer in European golf, he was instrumental in staging the first professional events in the Czech Republic following the fall of the Berlin Wall, attracting legends such as Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer.
"I'm truly excited to be taking on the role of general manager at the MENA Golf Tour," Rayment stated. He emphasized the tour's renewed focus on creating pathways for golfers, including women and juniors, to progress to the international stage. "Our focus is clear: to position the MENA Golf Tour as the region’s premier development platform," he added. The new season will aim for 12 events, each with a minimum prize fund of $100,000, with a Qualifying School scheduled to begin this November in Portugal.
Rayment's appointment was lauded by MENA Golf Tour Chairman Keith Waters, who highlighted Rayment's "35 years of invaluable experience in professional golf." Waters described Rayment as "hardworking, loyal, and highly respected," noting his leadership will be crucial as the tour builds its future. The tour's long-term vision includes close collaboration with regional federations to ensure young players have access to opportunities to launch their careers globally.
The rebranded MENA Golf Tour will officially return in November with its Qualifying School in Portugal, followed by a full season running through March 2026.
