SKAIK EAGER TO BUILD ON MOMENTUM AT ABU DHABI CHALLENGE

Monday, April 14: The UAE’s Ahmad Skaik is eager to build on the momentum from his historic outing at the UAE Challenge as he turns his focus to this week’s Abu Dhabi Challenge (April 17-20), the concluding event of the HotelPlanner Tour’s double-header in the UAE.

 

The 27-year-old made history as the first Emirati to make the cut in a European Tour group event, picking up the award for lowest amateur after finishing 69^th at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club.

His remarkable performance included a stunning finish to his second round on Friday, where he went birdie-birdie-eagle over the final three holes to card a five-under 67 and secure his weekend spot on the Tour for the first time.

Despite challenges in the final two rounds, including a cracked driver on day three and adjusting to the replacement club on Sunday, Skaik’s full focus is on the positives from a memorable week when he tees it off at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club on Thursday.

“I’m taking lots of positives away from last week, the last two rounds aren’t going to take away anything from what I achieved,” said Skaik.

“I’ll be taking all of those positives, hopefully do the same and maybe even better.”

Skaik’s participation last week and this week is made possible by the Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) long-term partnership with the European Tour group, which provides 30 tournament spots for UAE players across the two events. This initiative reflects the European Tour group’s commitment to nurturing golf in the UAE through 2032.

As a key beneficiary of this partnership, Skaik has competed in 12 HotelPlanner Tour events since 2023, facilitated by the EGF exchanging tournament spots with other golf federations.

The unique opportunity has allowed Skaik to work on his game globally, competing alongside the next generation of stars in countries such as Italy, Spain, France, and the Czech Republic on the DP World Tour’s official feeder circuit.

With 12 events across the world under his belt, Skaik has gained invaluable experience of life on Tour – navigating the demands of constant travel and adapting to new venues each week. This journey has strengthened his confidence that he belongs at this level, as he works toward his goal of turning professional later this year.

“I’ve played many of these HotelPlanner Tour events and I feel like I can now compete with them,” he said.

“I don’t see any big differences between me and the players on the Tour, so that just gives me confidence heading into this week’s event in Al Ain.”

A number of Skaik’s UAE National Team teammates will be aiming to emulate his achievement of making the cut this week, including his brother Mohammed, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Neyl Cherrat, and Rayan Ahmed, who impressed with a first-round 66 at last year’s Abu Dhabi Challenge.

They will be joined by several stars vying for a spot on the DP World Tour next season, such as last week’s champion Renato Paratore, two-time DP World Tour winner Eddie Pepperell, Dubai-based Adri Arnaus, and the UAE’s own Joshua Grenville-Wood.

Last year’s champion and Dubai resident Garrick Porteous will also return to the scene of his memorable triumph, while Ukrainian amateur Lev Grinberg has earned an invitation from the Emirates Golf Federation.

Two years ago, Grinberg made history as the second-youngest player to make a cut in DP World Tour history at 14 years, six months, and six days, achieving the feat at the Soudal Open with rounds of 70 and 69 on his home course, Rinkven International Golf Club.

Crucial support for the tournament comes from Abu Dhabi Sports Council, UAE-headquartered Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore. Golf fans can attend the event free of charge, with world-class action on display throughout the week.