by Fatiha Betscher, Tunisia Citrus GC, Hammamet, Tunisia

Today has marked an historic first in the history of Algerian Golf with the country competing for a first timeat the All Africa Team Championship

In Algeria, golf courses exist though there is yet any green grass courese like here at the stunning Tunisia Citrus GC in Hammamet. Only sand greens, dry fairways, natural grass only in winter time. Very difficult training conditions. Very little experience on real greens.

The proud Algerian amateur team ahead of teeing-up at the host Tunisian Citrus Golf Club. (Image Algerian Golf)

Next on the tee – the Algerian Amateur Team.

The host Tunisian Citrus GC course – Image Trip Adviser

This week members of the Algeria Team proudly represent their country teeing-up on a perfect grass tee hitting to splendid-looking fairyways and then will walk proudly onto pristine greens at the 18-hole, par-72 Tunisian Golf Citrus course that is laid out very close to the Mediterranean Sea here at Hammemet Bay.

The host golf course was opened in September 1992 so it has just celebrated its 34th anniversary.

This is history in the making.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Leadership and Teamwork: President Rachid Khiari and the whole Algeria Golf Federation team working together. Teamwork, courage, players supporting each other every day — correcting swings, sharing everything, incredible dedication and self-discipline.

Huge Boost: R&A and Olympic Solidarity funding was a huge boost for Algeria golf. It allowed us to train in Tunisia this past summer on real greens. This training made this happen. Thank you R&A and Olympic Solidarity.

President Rachid Khiari, the Algerian Amateur team and Fatiha Betscher proudly in front of this Tunisia Citrus GC clubhouse

Perfect Organization: Tunisia Golf Federation and R&A — incredible work. Everything is just perfect, like a real professional golf event. World-class course, world-class hospitality. Thank you Tunisia, thank you R&A. Thanks to all contributors.

MEET HISTORIC TEAM ALGERIA – Led by President Rachid Khiari:

1st Tee – Golf Citrus Hammamet – Today (October 15th)

• 09:40 – Mohamed Lamine LERARI (ALGERIA) with Kingsley AFFUL (Ghana) & Jonathan WILSENACH (South Africa)
• 09:50 – Mohamed MECHELAH (ALGERIA) with Kasim JIBRIL (Ghana) & Judd SUNDELSON (South Africa)
• 10:00 – Seifeddine ZARZOUR (ALGERIA) with Samuel EGYIRI (Ghana) & Constantyn VAN WYK (South Africa)
• 10:10 – Athmane LAAKRI (ALGERIA) with Stephen ASANAB (Ghana) & Ivan VERSTER (South Africa)

Four players who learned to putt on sand, now putting for history on green. Grouped with Ghana and South Africa — the best in Africa. A huge honour.

From sand greens to Hammamet greens. From courage + teamwork + funding to history.

Under President Rachid Khiari, golf in Algeria is going higher than expected. Respect to Algeria golf and its development in this short period.

You are already champions. Good luck Team Algeria! Bismillah! ⛳️