ABU DHABI: Aim for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars — the famous quote applies in the case of a dream of the UAE’s brilliantly talented and rising golfer Saif Bin Thabet.

One of the top-ranked amateurs, who resembles World Number 9 Sergio Garcia, Thabet has set a goal of qualifying for the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and to rub shoulders with the creme de la creme of world golfing, as competing with the top stars is his primary goal.

Though the dust has yet to settle after England’s Tommy Fleetwood successfully defended his title at the $3 million Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday, Thabet has set sights firmly on the Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s stunning course and ready to give his all to see his dream fulfilled.

“My biggest target as a golfer is to win the qualifier next year and compete with the top golfers during the 2019 championship.

“It would be amazing to qualify, later play with them and see Emirati fans rooting for me,” said Thabet.

Besides making the cut to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, he also plans to win the World Amateur Team Championship (WATC) – Eisenhower Trophy, along with team-mates, for the country

The WATC - Eisenhower Trophy is the most prestigious Amateur Golf Event in the world.

Last year, Ahmed Skaik, Rashid Hamood, and Thabet represented the country in the event.

Memorable win

To keep himself in the best of shape, Thabet will be participating in a number of events throughout the season. He will take part in prestigious President’s Cup, Dubai Trophy and GCC Championships.

In 2014, the national team member won the President’s Cup and he rates this as a memorable victory.

The 30-year-old, who works for Abu Dhabi Sports Council, was once the nation’s best show jumper.

He was based in Germany and training hard for his career in this field.

However, a few years ago, he took the decision to alight from the saddle and devote his time to training at the Saadiyat and Abu Dhabi Dhabi Golf Club.

It was from an early age of nine that Thabet started playing golf and riding horses.

Initially, he was inspired by his father Oman Bin Thabet, who was also a golfer.

Later, his idol and one of the great golfers of all time Tiger Woods, had a huge impact on him, pursuing him to focus on the sport.

Terming himself as a die-hard fan of Woods, Thabet said,“I used to watch his game on the television set and luckily got a chance to meet Woods at a programme in Dubai.

Balancing time

Thabet, who has also completed the national service, trains three hours a day after finishing his job. “After completing my duty I ensure hitting the ground for training everyday.

“I relish my work at Abu Dhabi Sports Council as they are doing a lot for developing the future stars of golf right here in the UAE.

“I associate with them in such events as I feel I should give something back to the country.”

Future Falcons

Hailing the efforts of Emirates Golf Federation and HSBC Future Falcons’ initiative to promote junior golf and unearth future Emirati stars, Thabet said, “The efforts are in right direction to promote and develop the UAE golfers.

Future Falcons has introduced hundreds of local children to the game since launching last year as ‘Champions of Tomorrow’.

“The HSBC programme aims to get kids excited about golf. These kids are a great example of the talent we have in the region, and hopefully their experiences will inspire and motivate more people to get into the game,” added the UAE Nationals Cup winner.