$1.5m free event to feature local and international stars from Nov. 3-6 The inaugural International Series has had four events to date in 2022 RABAT: World-class international golf tees off in Morocco next month with the Asian Tour’s groundbreaking International Series making its debut in North Africa. The International Series Morocco will be hosted at the historic Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, in Rabat, from Nov. 3 to 6, with free admission. With prize money of $1.5 million up for grabs, the event plays a key role in determining the Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, as well as the International Series money list winner. The International Series was launched earlier this year thanks to a new landmark partnership between the Asian Tour and LIV Golf to raise the profile of the game in Asia and the Middle East. “This has been an unprecedented season and we were delighted to be able to announce exciting news about the Asian Tour’s first visit to North Africa in Morocco — with its illustrious golfing heritage,” said Cho Minn Thant, commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour. The inaugural International Series has had four events to date in 2022; with local star Taehoon Ok (International Series Korea) and Nitithorn Thippong (International Series Singapore) the winners back in August. The International Series Thailand kicked off in March and was won by emerging American star Sihwan Kim at Black Mountain Golf Club. Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent claimed the International Series England in June. Alongside Asia’s stars, the field will include eight of the best homegrown Moroccan players who will be announced at a later date. “After three years of shutdown due to COVID-19, we are delighted to once again host a top-notch international professional competition,” said Abderrahim Bouftas, president of the golf venue. “It’s hugely exciting for Morocco to play host to the new International Series and a chance for us to see the very best and emerging talents from the Asian Tour and Moroccan golf. We are proud of our tradition and its prestigious history of Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. It’s a huge opportunity for the passionate Moroccan fan base here to see world-class golf on the jewel in our crown here, the Red Course.” Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the course was commissioned by King Hassan II in the late 1960s and is situated in the capital Rabat. The venue has hosted many events of the European Tour, Ladies European Tour and PGA Champions series in recent times. Hicham Berdaii, director of the venue, said: “This is another important historic milestone for Royal Golf Dar Es Salam as we host the inaugural International Series Morocco tournament. We are hugely looking forward to opening our doors for all with admission free for spectators. We want to inspire even more people locally to get into golf and for the world to see what incredible courses Morocco has on offer. With a new purpose-built spectator village at the venue, we look to hosting families, friends, golf fans and our members to enjoy an exciting new event on the golfing calendar.” After Morocco, the International Series Egypt takes place the following week at Madinaty Golf Club in Cairo from Nov. 10 to 13.