Bilal Ghandour, associate professor of psychology, is competing in the Pan-Arab Golf Championships in Dubai from Nov. 19-21.
Associate Professor of Psychology Bilal Ghandour grew up with a backdrop of war in Lebanon – his only leisure was a single golf course on the outskirts of Beirut. It was there that his love of the sport began to grow.
“The golf course remained open despite all the fighting,” said Ghandour. “I used to play there and train there. It was in a rough area. Sometimes, we would hear gunshots outside the golf course. We got so used to living under these conditions that it just made us a little crazy but a little strong in other ways.”
Over the years, Ghandour continued to play, teaching himself the intricacies of the sport and beginning to compete. This month, is one of four people on Lebanon’s national team competing in the Pan-Arab Championship, hosted by the Arab Golf Federation in Dubai. Founded in 1974, the Arab Golf Federation represents nineteen member nations and is recognized by the R&A and Arab Olympic Committee. The organization’s mission is “to streamline governance of the game in the Arab world and enhance the overall development of golf by creating more and better opportunities for its members.” About a dozen countries will compete in the Pan-Arab Championship.
Ghandour says he’s excited to see old friends and represent his home country, especially with the current Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah. At least 2,000 people have been killed and 12,000 injured in Lebanon since mid-September as Israel stepped up its campaign.
“It just makes me proud to play for Lebanon under these difficult times,” said Ghandour. “And at the same time, be able to represent such an incredible institution that Elon is and with such an emphasis on sport.”
Ghandour moved to the United States in 2000 and joined the Elon faculty in 2015. His scholarly interests include self-harm behaviors, anxiety disorders, and individuals with personality disorders. In 2017, he was recognized with the Gerald Francis Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year award by the Student Government Association. In addition to his teaching duties, he also maintains a private practice in North Carolina and works with Active Minds, a student organization that empowers others to speak about mental health through advocacy, spreading awareness and promoting positive practices. Through his love of golf and background in psychology, he helps the Elon golf and cross-country teams, including traveling with the golf teams to Scotland twice.
“It’s really just bonding with the team, helping them with mental enhancement, improving their ability to succeed on the golf course,” said Ghandour.
And when he’s getting ready for a tournament or just wants a little tee time, Elon’s Worsley Golf Training Center provides the perfect location.
“I am very lucky and privileged to be around the campus community and the athletic environment and just be around great coaches,” said Ghandour.