Nura leading the way in Saudi Arabia
Nura Al-Gain epitomises the word trailblazer.
As the first Saudi female to work in agronomy, Nura is not only breaking new ground, she is a leading light for other young people to follow her into golf, in a country that has only embraced the game in the last few years.
In early 2018, Nura joined the team at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, the host venue of the Saudi International on the European Tour and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour, and since then has grasped every opportunity to come her way.
Recently she graduated with distinction from the world-renowned Ohio State University Golf Course Management course.
“I originally joined Royal Greens as an administrative assistant in the agronomy team, but my boss, David Blair (Golf Superintendent at Royal Greens), saw how interested I was in the golf course and how eager I was to learn,” says Nura.
“Before that, I’d never seen a golf course and had no idea what agronomy meant. But we created a development plan for me, and it was so exciting to have the exposure to something new.
“It really sparked something in me and I became very interested in the science of turf management.”
- “Limitless opportunities for the next generation”
- Forging her future
- Mentoring global turfgrass talent
Development opportunities and supportive management are crucial in burgeoning careers, and Nura recognises how lucky she has been to have strong backing from her employer.
“David is a great leader and wants me to fulfil my potential, and Royal Greens have been exceptionally flexible with my working hours during the Ohio course,” she continues.
“I’m very grateful to have had the chance to study on the Ohio programme, thanks to David who put me forward for it, and it has really helped enrich my understanding of the work we do on the golf course. It has given me full perspective of turf.”
“Working on a golf course, out in the fresh air among the greenery, is so refreshing and a lot more enjoyable than working in a confined office space,” she says.
“You are surrounded by brilliant individuals who share a passion for growing the game, and it’s a fantastic career for meeting people from around the world.
“Plus not much beats the thrill and adrenaline you get from preparing for and hosting big tournaments.”
