MENA Golf Tour Appoints Richard Rayment as New General Manager

The MENA Golf Tour has announced the appointment of Richard Rayment as its new General Manager, marking a new chapter for the region’s premier golf development platform. Rayment brings over 30 years of global golf and sports management experience to the role.

Originally from Australia, Rayment is a well-known figure in both Middle Eastern and international golf circles. He co-founded a sports management company in Munich, Germany, 35 years ago with his wife, building an impressive portfolio of Ryder Cup players, multiple tournament winners, and clients across Europe, Asia, Japan, and Australia. His extensive career spans all aspects of professional golf management, including player representation, sponsorship acquisition, event organisation, and commercial strategy.

A pioneer in European golf following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Rayment staged the first professional events in the Czech Republic, introducing Challenge Tour and European Tour tournaments that featured legendary players such as Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, and Ian Woosnam.

“I’m truly excited to take on the role of General Manager at the MENA Golf Tour,” Rayment said. “This relaunch comes with a fresh vision and a dedicated team, including Keith Waters, our Chairman, whom I have long respected, and Donna Benton, one of the UAE’s most successful business entrepreneurs. Our goal is to position the MENA Golf Tour as the region’s premier development platform, creating pathways for professional and amateur golfers, including women and juniors, to progress onto the international stage.”

Rayment outlined plans for a 12-event season, each offering a minimum prize fund of $100,000, supported by a Qualifying School set to begin this November in Portugal. He emphasised the Tour’s commitment to collaborating with regional Federations and PGAs to provide young players with opportunities to advance their careers to Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond.

Keith Waters, Chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, welcomed Rayment’s appointment, stating: “Richard brings 35 years of invaluable experience in professional golf. He has managed top players, organised tournaments, and advised companies on sponsorships. His leadership and expertise will be instrumental as we shape the Tour’s future.”

Rayment added, “I understand firsthand the importance of opportunities for young golfers. While I never turned professional myself, I have walked the path as an elite amateur and later guided players to the highest levels of the game. Helping to create similar opportunities here in the MENA region is something I am deeply passionate about.”

The newly rebranded MENA Golf Tour will kick off in November with the Qualifying School in Portugal, followed by a full season running through March 2026.