(Ajman, UAE) – On April 25-27, 2025, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) will be hosting the 2024 – 2025 Order of Merit Championship at Al Zorah Golf & Country Club. Strictly invite and qualified players will take the course this weekend to be crowned the best male, female, and junior golfers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Al Zorah Golf & Country Club – Ajman, UAE
60 top amateur golfers will compete this weekend with both the Men’s and Ladies Divisions taking place over three days, which will qualify the event for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. The top 12 male amateurs and the top 10 female amateur golfers from the season-long EGF Order of Merit have automatically qualified. In the Junior Divisions (Boys and Girls), the top 10 junior golfers in each division have automatically qualified to compete in a two-day competition.
The Order of Merit Championship will hold double points that will count toward the season-long Order of Merit. Following the championship results, the 2024 – 2025 season overall winners will be crowned. This will be the last qualifying event that will count towards the Dubai Golf trophy.
Stay tuned to the Emirates Golf Federation social media channels for a live leaderboard and event updates throughout the weekend. To see the current standings of the Order of Merit season, please refer to the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.
Leading up to the championship, EGF Director General, Akram Skaik, had this to say. “It’s always an exciting time for UAE golf as the season comes to an end. Having the top golfers compete throughout the season, leading up to this championship, provides a strong platform for sportsmanship and exposure for UAE amateur golfers. Best of luck to all playing this weekend, and we look forward to crowning this season’s champions.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24-25-OOM-Champ-Logo.png6121514Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EN-nav-logo-white.pngRobert Fiala2025-04-23 13:35:412025-04-23 13:42:30EGF Ready to Host the 2024 – 2025 Order of Merit Championship at Al Zorah Golf & Country Club
(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – The Grand Final of the Golf Sixes League, Abu Dhabi, took place at the Yas Acres Golf Club on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Novice juniors from golf clubs across Abu Dhabi were joined by those from the Emirates Golf Federation. After four rounds of fun competition, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club was crowned champs for the 2025 league.
2025 Winners – Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Golf Sixes League is a development initiative originally introduced and supported by The R&A but now managed by the Emirates Golf Federation, which introduces young people to golf in a fun and inclusive environment, along with an added competitive element. The format sees seven squads of 12 players, who rotate a team of six during each round, compete in a two-ball Texas Scramble stroke play format across six holes. The best two scores of the three pairs will count toward the team score.
After a fantastic afternoon of fun and good sportsmanship, the team from Yas Acres Golf & Country Club emerged as the winners of round four, which led the young golfers to be crowned as the Overall Champions for the 2025 edition of the league.
Our thanks to all the stakeholders, including our host venues, Yas Links GC, Abu Dhabi City GC, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and GC, and Yas Acres GC, Team Managers, Golf Genius, Confederation of Professional Golf, and Golfway.
Round Four Results:
1st Yas Acres Golf Club = Even par
2nd Abu Dhabi Golf Club = +4 on countback
3rd Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club = +4
Nearest the Pin prize winners: Archie Bayston and Levi Zazzaretta
Final Overall Golf Sixes League Table:
1st Yas Acres Golf Club
2nd Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club
3rd Abu Dhabi Golf Club
4th Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
5th Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
6th Yas Links Golf Club
7th Emirates Golf Federation
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Overall-winners-scaled.jpg19642560Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EN-nav-logo-white.pngRobert Fiala2025-04-21 12:02:082025-04-21 12:03:49Yas Acres Golf & Country Club Reign Supreme as Overall Champions of the 2025 Golf Sixes League, Abu Dhabi
Sunday, April 20: Renato Paratore carded a four under par 66 on the final day of the Abu Dhabi Challenge to seal back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour titles in the UAE.
The Italian, who won last week’s UAE Challenge, birdied two of his last four holes to finish on 17 under par, one shot clear of Scotsman David Law, who had set the clubhouse lead after firing a nine under par 61, and Spaniard Sebastian Garcia in second.
Paratore entered the final round one-shot back of overnight leader Garrick Porteous but birdied the fifth and the seventh to get himself into the red numbers before making the turn. Three birdies and two bogeys followed on the back nine, leaving the 28-year-old needing a birdie on the par five 18th to win. After finding the green in two, Paratore two putted for birdie to cap a stunning two weeks in the Middle East.
“I feel amazing,” he said. “I still can’t believe it. To make two birdies in the last four holes, I am really happy. I felt confident coming into today because I won last week but I knew it was tough today because there were a lot of people in contention.“I started well but on the second nine I managed to make some good birdies after a few bogeys; I am really proud of myself.”
Aware of the circumstances heading to the 18th, Paratore was delighted with his approach to the closing par five. “The second shot I had to play perfectly. As soon as I saw the flight it was perfect, it was a good sensation.“I have been staying with my swing, not changing too much and working a lot on my body and mental state.”
Garcia and Law end the week in a tie for second on 16 under par, one shot clear of American Davis Bryant. Frenchman Robin Siegrist, Dane Victor Sidal Svendsen, Italian Stefano Mazzoli and Spaniard Albert Boneta finished in a share of fifth place at 14 under par.
Paratore has jumped five places to second in the Road to Mallorca Rankings after winning twice in the UAE, while Law has risen 18 places to ninth and Garcia has climbed 78 spots to 18th. Crucial support over the last two weeks has come from Abu Dhabi Sports Council, UAE-headquartered Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/AD-Challenge-Al-Ain-.jpeg533800Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EN-nav-logo-white.pngRobert Fiala2025-04-21 06:41:032025-04-21 06:41:44PARATORE WINS BACK-TO-BACK HOTELPLANNER TOUR TITLES IN AL AIN
(Augusta, Gerorgia, USA) – On April 7th – 13th, 2015, the Emirates Golf Federation Vice President, General Abdullah Alhashmi, attended the 89th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Representing the United Arab Emirates, General Alhashmi met with Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley and leadership to discuss hosting the upcoming Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Dubai at the Emirates Golf Club.
Emirates Golf Federation Vice President, General Abdullah Alhashmi, 2025 Masters Tournament
At the 89th Masters Tournament, General Alhashmi, along with Emirates Golf Federation Board Member Mustafa Al Hashimi and CEO of Dubai Golf, Chris May, witnessed history as Rory McIlroy won the coveted green jacket and completed his career Grand Slam, winning all four golf major tournaments.
“It was a weekend that I will remember for a very long time. The level of excellence not only on the golf course, but also around the property of Augusta National, has certainly left an impression on me to bring back to the UAE. I am glad that I got to witness the tradition like any other. During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with Chairman Ridley to discuss preparation for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, as well as the impact that the UAE has had on amateur golf,” said Vice President General Alhashmi.
During General Alhashmi’s visit, not only did he have a private meeting with the Augusta National Chairman, but General Alhashmi also attended the Green Jacket Ceremony on the 18th Green of Augusta National Golf Club.
In conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), Dubai Golf, Emirates Golf Club, and The Masters Tournament, the UAE will host the 16th AAC on October 23-26, 2025. The AAC was created to give the 120 top male amateurs and the APGC’s 42 member organizations in the Asia-Pacific region an invitation to compete in the AAC, where the winner will receive an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament.
In October 2024 in Japan, where the APGC and The Masters Tournament announced the hosting of the AAC at Emirates Golf Club, APGC Chairman, Taimur Hassan Amin said, “we have a proud tradition of hosting the AAC at world class venues and we are continuing to do that with hosting the 2025 edition in the UAE at the Emirates Golf Club strengthening our relationship with the UAE and Middle East region”
It is an exciting time for UAE golf as the 2024/2025 golf season comes to an end with hosting back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events and the EGF Order of Merit championship next weekend. Be sure to follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media or at www.egfgolf.com for all information about UAE golf.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gen-AA-2025-Masters.jpg441617Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EN-nav-logo-white.pngRobert Fiala2025-04-19 08:17:022025-04-19 08:21:41EGF Vice President Attends Masters Tournament to Update Leadership on AAC
(Hokota, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan) – On April 18th – 20th, 2025, Abdulla Kalbat will represent the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) at The Royal Junior – golf championship – at The Royal Golf Club in Hokota, Ibaraki, Japan.
Abdulla Kalbat
This prestigious junior championship is organized by Nippon Kabaya Ohayo Holdings Inc., approved by the R&A, Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), and supported by the Japan Golf Association and High School Golf Association.
This tournament, which aims to nurture and develop the next generation of international golfers, will have a field that will consist of 48 boys and 48 girls. The top players outside of Japan are selected by the APGC. All players must be under the age of 18 years old as of March 31st, 2025.
The APGC is a prominent organisation in world golf and is responsible for running the major international amateur championship in the region and promoting golf, which is sanctioned by The R&A and the International Golf Federation. The EGF is an affiliate of the APGC and works closely to develop the sport in the region.
The format of the championship is a 54-hole stroke play with no cut. Abdulla will be competing against some of the best junior golfers in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. To follow Abdualla’s progress, be sure to tune into the EGF’s social media channels for the latest updates.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Abdulla-Kalbat..png1080858Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EN-nav-logo-white.pngRobert Fiala2025-04-16 12:58:102025-04-16 12:58:10Abdulla Kalbat set for The Royal Junior in Japan
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.
Skaik entered the history books at the UAE Challenge
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 69th 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.
AJMAN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 13: Ahmad Skaik (R) of The United Arab Emirates receives the best amateur trophy on day four of the UAE Challenge 2025 at Al Zorah Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
“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.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Skaik-entered-the-history-books-at-the-UAE-Challenge-scaled.jpg17072560Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EN-nav-logo-white.pngRobert Fiala2025-04-15 05:56:592025-04-15 05:56:59SKAIK EAGER TO BUILD ON MOMENTUM AT ABU DHABI CHALLENGE
Sunday, April 13: Renato Paratore carded a final round seven under par 65 to win the UAE Challenge, the first of back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events here in the UAE.
AJMAN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 13: Renato Paratore of Italy poses with the winner trophy following his victory of the tournament on day four of the UAE Challenge 2025 at Al Zorah Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
The Italian entered the final round at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club one shot back but quickly raced to the top of the leaderboard thanks to three birdies and an eagle on his first five holes.
Two further birdies on the back nine saw two-time DP World Tour winner Paratore pull away from the chasing pack to finish at 22 under par and seal a maiden HotelPlanner Tour title.
“The feeling is great, my last win was in 2020 so today was important for me,” he said. “I just try to stay in the moment and stay in the hole every time I play because you can get distracted, but I stayed really focussed all the days. I was five under but only leading by one shot after nine. JC played really well so congratulations to him, it was a good fight until the end.
“My putting has been brilliant this week. Of course, the game has been good, but the putter played a really important role.”
Paratore, whose last win came at the Betfred British Masters five years ago, catapults to seventh in the Road to Mallorca Rankings and the Italian is looking to continue his impressive form at next week’s Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.
“I didn’t start the season well so today is a good push forward and I can’t wait to play next week,” he added.
South African JC Ritchie, who share the 36-hole lead, piled the pressure on Paratore after making back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th, however, a double bogey on the par three 17th ended the 31-year-old’s hopes. Ritchie ends the UAE Challenge in solo second on 20 under par, three shots clear of American Dan Erickson in third.
France’s Oihan Guillamoundeguy finished the week tied for fourth on 16 under par alongside Dubai resident Adri Arnaus of Spain. Ireland’s Mark Power, German Freddy Schott and Portuguese Pedro Figueiredo were one shot further back on 14 under par.
AJMAN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 13: Ahmad Skaik (R) of The United Arab Emirates receives the best amateur trophy on day four of the UAE Challenge 2025 at Al Zorah Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the UAE’s Ahmad Skaik won the award for lowest amateur having made history as the first Emirati ever to make the cut in a European Tour group event. The 27-year-old put together a stunning finish to his second round on Friday, going birdie-birdie-eagle over Al Zorah’s last three holes to post a five under 67, securing his passage to the third round. He suffered the misfortune of a cracked driver on day three which affected his scoring on the back nine and Sunday was another tough day as he struggled with his replacement club, carding a 75 to end the tournament at three over par.
“It was a week filled with ups and downs,” said Skaik who was presented with his award by His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. “I was four over through 12 on day one, and then made four birdies on the last five holes to finish one over. Then on the second day, nothing was happening until the last three holes when I made birdie-birdie-eagle to make the cut. I was very happy obviously and everyone was proud.
“In the third round I had many unlucky breaks. My driver broke after nine holes and I had to play the rest of the round and today with a different driver that I’m not used to.
“It was pretty tough – I just don’t know where the ball is going to go with the driver and I seemed to hit it in every single bunker! But I love challenges and putting myself in uncomfortable positions. I feel like today was one of them and I’ll learn from it.”
The Abu Dhabi Challenge, the second event in the HotelPlanner Tour’s UAE swing in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), starts on April 17 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. Road to Mallorca Number Two Wilco Nienaber, Englishman Jamie Rutherford, Delhi Challenge winner Quim Vidal and Paratore will all tee it up in Al Ain as will Skaik and a host of other promising talents from the UAE.
Fans can attend the event free of charge with no ticket required.
(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – The third edition of the 2025 Golf Sixes League delivered thrilling action and red-hot scoring on Saturday, April 5th, as teams from across Abu Dhabi battled it out at the iconic Yas Links Abu Dhabi. In a day marked by competitive spirit and breakthrough moments, Yas Acres Golf Club claimed a dominant victory, continuing their incredible run of form this season.
Group Photo – Round 3 – April 5th 2025 – Yas Links
Abu Dhabi National Golf Club celebrated their highest-ever finish in the league, securing second place with a standout team performance. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club rounded out the podium in third, continuing their consistent presence near the top.
This result sees Yas Acres Golf Club extend their lead in the overall standings with 27 points as the league heads into the final. The race for second place is heating up with Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, and Abu Dhabi Golf Club all tied on 21 points. Just one point behind sits Abu Dhabi National, keeping the pressure on with 20 points.
“It was great to hear some of the kids yell, ‘That’s my first ever medal!’ after competing on Saturday,” said Cameron Van Rooyen, Head of National Development at the Emirates Golf Federation. “Moments like that highlight the spirit of the Golf Sixes League, it’s all about growing the game, having fun, and giving young players the opportunity to compete and feel proud. It definitely makes for an exciting final in a couple of weeks’ time.”
The season finale will take place at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club on Friday, April 19, and promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat action as teams fight for podium positions and league glory.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Group-Photo-April-2025-.jpeg7941595Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EN-nav-logo-white.pngRobert Fiala2025-04-08 13:31:432025-04-08 13:31:43Golf Sixes League Heats Up at Yas Links Abu Dhabi with Scorching Performances Ahead of Grand Final
Monday, April 7: As the players prepare to tee off in this week’s UAE Challenge, taking place at the stunning Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman from April 10–13, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing homegrown talent and creating clear pathways for UAE-based players to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
UAE Men’s Team (R-L: EGF Secretary General Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Rayan Ahmed, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj and National Team Head Coach, Faycal Serghini)
Developing UAE-based golfers and providing them with opportunities to gain crucial experience on the global stage is a key focus for the EGF. The UAE Challenge, part of the HotelPlanner Tour, is a vital component of that mission—offering emerging Emirati and UAE-based golfers a rare chance to test themselves alongside some of the best rising stars in the game.
“This event is more than just a tournament—it’s a launchpad for local players to take their next step,” said General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation. “By hosting world-class events like the UAE Challenge, we are not only promoting the UAE’s credentials as a leading golf destination but also directly supporting the future of Emirati golf.”
The UAE will be proudly represented by Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rayan Ahmed—a quartet that recently made history at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship. Skaik claimed individual gold with a stunning -18 under par total, while the team secured gold by a record 38 strokes, showcasing the remarkable progress of elite-level Emirati golf.
This week’s event also highlights the EGF’s dedication to providing pathways for the broader amateur golf community. Louis Klein of the Czech Republic (WAGR 137) secured his place in the field by winning the Al Zorah Amateur Open, while Sam Mullane added to his list of accomplishments by taking top spot in the inaugural Cedars Championship, also held at Al Zorah. As Mullane had already secured entry into the UAE Challenge, Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne, who finished tied for second, were awarded tournament exemptions—demonstrating the EGF’s commitment to rewarding top local performances.
In addition to UAE national team players, several amateur competitors from the Arab Golf Federation will tee it up this week, further strengthening regional representation and reflecting the growing collaboration across the Middle East golf ecosystem.
The field is also bolstered by international federation trades, which provide emerging players from around the globe—including National Team amateurs—access to elite-level competition. Players from the Arab Golf Federation and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) will also compete, enhancing the global calibre of the event.
Their participation is a direct reflection of the EGF’s broader development strategy, which includes grassroots programs, elite training support, and international exposure for promising talent—delivered in collaboration with the DP World Tour and The R&A.
“We are investing in the future of Emirati golf,” added Alhashmi. “Through events like the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah, we are giving our players the stage, the tools, and the belief to dream bigger—and to realise those dreams.”
The UAE Challenge is followed by the Abu Dhabi Challenge, set to take place at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club from April 17-20. Both events are supported by UAE-headquartered Arena, Al Laith and eGolf Megastore, while further support for the Abu Dhabi Challenge comes from Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism.
These events, which will showcase some of the most talented emerging golfers from around the world, competing alongside the next generation of Emirati stars, stand as a testament to the EGF’s long-term vision to grow the game and create sustainable opportunities for UAE golfers to thrive on the international stage.
Fans interested in attending this week’s UAE Challenge or next week’s Abu Dhabi Challenge can do so free of charge without any tickets required for general admission.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/UAE-Mens-Team-.jpg10661600Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EN-nav-logo-white.pngRobert Fiala2025-04-07 09:20:552025-04-07 09:20:55EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPING EMIRATI TALENT AT UAE CHALLENGE
Mullane, Mateiu, & Sokolov Win their Repected Divisions
(Ajman, UAE) – On April 1-3, 2025, the Lebanese Golf Federation, in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation, hosted the inaugural Cedars Championship at Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. 66 amateur golfers took to the course competing for World Amature Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, Arab Golf Series points, and a spot in the upcoming HotelPlanner Tour event – UAE Challenge at Al Zorah.
Group Photo of Winners and Sponsors at the 1st Cedars Championship
The tournament is played over 54 holes, with an 18-hole Stableford format for the final round. Winning the Men’s Division following a six-hole playoff was UAE National Team player Sam Mullane. The exciting playoff was between Mullane and fellow EGF members Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne. There was a lot to play for as the winner received a Sponsors Invite to the upcoming HotelPlanner Tour event next week at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club. With Sam winning the Championship (who is already playing in next week’s HotelPlanner Tour event) and given the high level of competition and sportsmanship, the Emirates Golf Federation granted both Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne exemptions into next week’s event for their second-place finish.
Winners of the 1st Cedars Championship (L-R) Daniil Sokolov, Sam Mullane, Anca Mateiu
Winning the Ladies Division was Anca Mateiu, who fired impressive rounds of 65-68-73 for a championship total of 217, 10-under-par.
Winning the Junior Division was Daniil Sokolov, who shot one-under-par for the championship. Daniil was nine shots clear of the runner-up and was also granted a spot in next week’s HotelPlanner Tour event.
During the prize presentation that was attended by EGF Chairman, His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and Vice Chairman, General Abdullah Alhashm, the President of the Lebanese Golf Federation, Karim Salaam, expressed the importance of the brotherhood and sportsmanship that was on display this week in the UAE.
(R-L) President of the Lebanese Golf Federation Karim Salaam – EGF Chairman His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi – Vice Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi
“It is important for countries to stand with other countries and although Lebanon is going through difficult times, we can use sport to be a vehicle of diplomacy. Thank you to the Emirates Golf Federation and to our brothers and sisters in the UAE for this opportunity. We look forward to continuing to use this championship to accomplish more than just the development of golf,” Mr. Salaam announced.
The Championship saw players from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, UAE, as well as EGF members and UAE residents. This championship was the second event of the recently announced Arab Golf Series organized by the Arab Golf Federation.
Stay tuned to the EGF Social Media pages to follow the latest updates in UAE golf.
