Maha Haddioui Exclusive

Moroccan golfer, Maha Haddioui left many of her counterparts far behind when she entered a world largely dominated by men. She is the first Arab woman to compete in professional golf. Ladies European Tour Rookie, Maha dreams to win an Olympic medal some day and give women from her country confidence to come forward and enjoy the game of golf as much she does.

She candidly puts her views on Arabian life and golf in this exclusive interview with Golfing Indian. [Picture Credit: Maha Haddoui dot com]

[Q] You have not only been a great friend of Ms Nicollet but you have had a chance of playing with Indian players, what’s your view on Indian women pros? [/Q]

[A] I have known a lot of players from India when I was an amater in America. My friends used to play College golf in the US so I already had a good idea of how developed golf was in India. We even went to follow Jeev Milkha Singh when he played the Doral! I am very impressed with the level of competition in India and the fact that the country has its own tour. It’s something great that professional can build on to then make it on bigger tours. I’ve had the chance to meet Simi in Slovakia last week; I think her and Sharmila are great ambassadors for Women’s golf in India; each in their own ways. [/A]

[Q] Have you visited India? Would you like to? If so, what are your impressions of the country and its culture? [/Q]

[A] I am a big Bollywood fan! The first time I’ve ever visited India was two years ago during the European Tour event. I absolutely loved it. It was quite different from the Bollywood movies I watch but I got a better sense of the culture and hospitability of the country. I went to visit Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple. I would like to visit Bombay and Calcutta where I have some friends. Maybe at the end of this year! [/A]

[Q] Who inspired you to pick up golf? [/Q]

[A] I started playing golf accidentally. I was the first one in my family to start golf. We went for lunch at the golf club and when I tried it I really loved it. I would say my first coach was the one who inspired me to continue playing golf. He made me really passionate and competitive. I owe him a lot. [/A]

[Q] Was it hard to break out as a first woman golfer from the Muslim world? [/Q]

[A] Yes I guess it is always hard to be the first one to do something because there is no real path to follow and I had to figure out a lot of things on my own. But I believe the hardest part was done by my parents: letting their daughter travel the world on her own and pursue her passion is a big step to take; especially when a lot of people don’t believe that playing a sport can be an actual job. In Morocco we’ve always enjoyed our rights and freedom so I guess it is quite a difference from what some woman might experience in other Muslim countries. [/A]

[Q] 2016 Olympic Games are big for golfers as golf gets inducted once again into the multi-country event. What ambitions do you carry for it? [/Q]

[A] The 2016 Olympics are probably what everybody aims for in the long term. Obviously my first ambition would be to qualify for it. Then winning a medal would be a dream come true. It’s my biggest dream and what I am working for. [/A]

[Q] You picked up golf early and you also spent some collegiate years playing the game? How was that experience and do you recommend it for young golfers? [/Q]

[A] I started golf when I was 13, played for the Moroccan National Team, often as the only girl amongst men then went to America. I left to study at Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida after my Baccalaureate degree when I was 18. When you go from only playing with man and start playing with very good female players; there is quite a difference. There is more pressure and being in America on my own pursuing a college degree definitely made me more mature and responsible. I would definitely recommend it for young golfers. It’s the best experience in my life and I’ve learned so much from it on and off the golf course. [/A]

[Q]You are a big supporter of broad mindedness, freedom and peace. Do you feel you can promote this in the region? What challenges do you reckon have made you more and more convinced of women empowerment? [/Q]

[A] Being the only professional in Morocco isn’t easy. I have been used to only playing with men before. It obviously has a lot of advantages and inconvenient too but it has showed me that there is no difference between a male and a female professional athlete; I am not necessarily talking performance-wise but in terms of commitment and chances to make it abroad. I believe there should be no difference in the chances given to men and women in sports and unfortunately men are usually given more opportunities in Arab countries.

My goal is to be an ambassador for free and open minded young Arab sports women and especially young golfers. If I made it to the tour, they can do it too. I want to show a different image of Arab/Muslim women from what is shown in the media nowadays. [/A]

[Q] How would you define your style quotient on the course? [/Q]

[A] I love being dressed nicely on the golf course; I feel like it makes me play better. It takes me forever to pick what to wear! Sharmila’s great friend in picking clothes! [/A]

[Q] Dream destination for golf? [/Q]

[A] I would say the United States. Although I enjoy practicing in Morocco. [/A]

[Q] One player you’d love to beat at golf? [/Q]

[A] No one in particular. I just want to win a tournament. That would be beating quite a few people J [/A]

[Q] Favourite four ball [/Q]

[A] Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and my little sister Nezha!!! (she would be pissed not to be part of my dream Four Ball) [/A]

Picture Courtesy: Moroccon News World