Malcolm Young & Team Serghini Have Flawless Victory at EGF & Emirates PGA Pro-Am

(Ajman, UAE): On February 16, 2025, Malcolm Young and Team Serghini delivered a flawless performance at the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Pro-Am and Emirates PGA Order of Merit event at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club. Open to all Emirates PGA Professionals and EGF National / Direct Members, Malcolm Young and National Team Coach Faycal Serghini’s team secured victory with stunning performances.

Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi with Malcolm Young from GOLFTEC – Dubai

Malcolm Young, representing GOLFTEC – Dubai, fired a 67, 5-under-par, bogey-free round that featured three birdies on the front nine and two on the back. Young finished one shot ahead of the competition edging out Faycal Serghini and Matt Brookes, who posted rounds of 68 and a second place. The tournament featured a competitive field of 25 professionals.

“Thank you to the Emirates Golf Federation for putting this event on,” said Young following the event. “Special thanks to General Alhashmi and the EGF team for the support with the Emirates PGA. The new clubhouse here at Al Zorah is a fantastic addition to the region. We all appreciate the amateurs coming out and playing today, it was a lot of fun.”

Team Serghini

In the accompanying Tour Shambles event, which was open to all EGF National and Direct Members that paired amateurs with a professional player, Faycal Serghini, Aylan Serghini, and Ali Abubaker claimed victory with a remarkable score of 45-under-par.

“It is a goal of ours at the Emirates Golf Federation to bring the community of golf together. This Pro-Am format is a perfect way to bring our Professionals and Amateur together, also providing a valuable benefit for our direct members. We look forward to continuing to develop the Emirates PGA and EGF Membership”

For more information on the EGF Membership visit the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com

 

 

Final results

Professional Division

  1. Malcolm Young 67 (-5)

T2. Faycal Serghini 68 (-4)

T2. Matt Brookes 68 (-4)

Tour Shambles

  1. Faycal Serghini + Aylan Serghini + Ali Abubaker -45
  2.  Jackson Bell + Daniel Nicolson + Rashed Aljarwan + David Higgins -39
  3.  Two teams tied on -37

Golf Sixes League, Abu Dhabi Second Season Commences

(Al Ain, United Arab Emirates) – A second season of the successful Golf Sixes League, Abu Dhabi has commenced at the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club in a continuing drive to encourage young people to play, enjoy, and remain in the sport.

Golf Sixes League, Abu Dhabi – Al Ain – January 2025

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.

The League will take place on three dates from January to March, with team winners declared after each round and an overall champion decided at the Grand Final in April.    Teams from the Emirates Golf Federation, Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, and the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club took part in the 1st round on Saturday 25 January in Al Ain.

After lots of fun and good sportsmanship, the home team from Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club emerged as the winners.

The second round will take place on Saturday 22 February at Yas Links Golf Club. Follow the Emirates Golf Federation Social Media pages for the latest news and updates.

 

 

1ST Round Results:

1st –    Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club               +1

2nd – Abu Dhabi City Golf Club                                              +2

3rd – Yas Acres Golf Club                                                         +3

 

History as 5 Golfers Tee It Up for UAE on the DP World Tour in RAK

(Ras Al Khaimah, UAE) – On January 23rd–26th 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will make history as for the first time five golfers will be flying the UAE flag in a DP World Tour event. This historical moment will take place in the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Haram Golf Club for the seventh event on the DP World Tour.

(left to right) – Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Adrain Otaegui, Joshua Grenvillewood, Jonathan Selvaraj

Leading the the way for the UAE will be professional Adrian Otaegui, who is currently ranked 175th and the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). Otaegui has five tour wins and after just making the cut last week at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Adrain will be looking for a strong performance this week in Ras Al Khaimah as he has already placed T3 in this event back in 2022.

Also played under the UAE flag will be professional Joshua Grenville-Wood who is currently ranked 596th on the OWGR. Joshua has played in six DP World Tour events with two top-10 finishes.

In addition to the two professionals, the UAE will have three amateurs competing this weekend. Sam Mullane is UAE’s highest World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) player in the field for the UAE currently sitting at 1,506th. This will be Sam’s first appearance on the DP World Tour.

Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Joshua Grenvillewood

Coming off a big victory at the 2nd Professional Arab Golf Championship in Morrocco, Jonathan Selvaraj who is ranked 1,656th on the WAGRs will be excited to make his second start at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship while looking to continue his good form.

And finally rounding out the pack for the UAE will be Ahmad Skaik. Skaik is making his third start at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship and is currently ranked 3,262nd on the WAGRs.

Click Here to view the first-round tee times.

This weekend’s championship has a prize fund of 2.5 million USD and 1,000 Ryder Cup points are up for grabs. Stay tuned to the Emirates Golf Federation’s social media to see the latest updates.

UAE Golf Tops Leaderboard at 2nd Arab Professional Championship

(El Jadida, Morocco) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) golfers stole the show this past weekend at the 2nd Arab Professional Championship hosted at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort El Jadida in Morocco. Leading the way was amature Jonathan Selvaraj with a final score of 4-under-par, two shots ahead of UAE’s professional Joshua Grenville-Wood.

Jonathan Selvaraj with the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation (RMGF) and Arab Golf Federation Delegation

The 2025 edition marked the second time the Arab Professional Championship has taken place which was founded by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation (RMGF), in collaboration with the Arab Golf Federation.

Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Joshua Grenvillewood

 

 

The event’s core mission is to promote the development of professional golf in the Arab world, elevate the profiles of Arab players, and foster cultural exchange across the region.

With Jonahtan as the winner and top amateur for the event and Joshua as the top professional, the UAE stole the show. In addition, UAE’s amateur Sam Mullane finished tied for sixth place.

All three golfers will be back in action next as they will tee it up in the DP World Tour’s RAK Championship.

 

Historic Wins for Asia-Pacific at Bonallack and Patsy Hankins Trophies

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) retained the Bonallack Trophy and reclaimed the Patsy Hankins Trophy on a red-letter day for golf in the region.

2025 Bonallack and Patsy Hankins Trophy Winners: Asia-Pacific

On a remarkable day of high-quality golf and high drama at Al Hamra Golf Club, captain Rishi Narain’s Bonallack Trophy side emerged triumphant by the narrowest of margins.

With Asia-Pacific claiming 6.5 points from the 12 singles, the match ended 16.5-15.5 in their favour.

It was more clearcut in the Patsy Hankins Trophy where captain Joanne McKee’s girls turned on the style, winning eight and halving one of the singles encounters to score an emphatic 20-12 success overall.

“What an incredible effort from everyone involved. Congratulations to the players, the captains and their support teams. They should be proud of their achievements,” said Tamiur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the APGC.

It was a day of multiple magical moments, including holes-in-one for Japan’s Mamika Shinchi and Dane Marie Madsen and a majestic five-wood approach into the par-18th green by Eila Galitsky, who set the tone for the day by claiming the prized scalp of England’s World Amateur Golf Ranking number one Lottie Woad in the opening singles encounter.

Leading 11½-8½ overnight, the Asia-Pacific girls came out all guns blazing, never giving their opponents a chance of staging a comeback. Astonishingly, the Asia-Pacific won the first seven matches out – Galitsky, Zhou Shiyuan, Mirabel Ting, Ren Jiyia, Vivian Lu, Jeong Min-seo and Suvichaya Vinichaitham.

“It was just phenomenal,” said McKee, who lived upto her promise of jumping into the Arabian Gulf if her team triumphed. She was followed into the water skirting the 18th hole at Al Hamra by her assistant captains and all 12 of her players.

2025 BPHT Winning Captains Asia-Pacific

Narain and his team were not shy in replicating the celebration when their victory was confirmed some 90 minutes after the girls had clinched their win.

As had been the case at La Manga in 2023, the Bonallack Trophy went down to the wire.

Locked at 10-10 heading into the singles, fortunes fluctuated throughout the day with punches and counter-punches being thrown.

First blood went to the Europeans with WAGR number five Jose Luis Ballester swatting aside Singapore’s Hiroshi Tai 5&4 in the top match. In so doing he completed a 100 per cent record this week, winning all five of his matches.

Pablo Ereno Perez, his partner in crime in the foursomes and fourballs on Wednesday and Thursday, was held to a half-point by Japan’s Taishi Moto.

In match number three, China’s Zhou Ziqin brushed aside Swede Algot Kleen 6&4, the largest winning margin of the day.

But it was Europe who regained the initiative when Benjamin Reuter and Arni Sveinsson overcame Thai Thanawin Lee and Indian Kartik Singh respectively and Czech Republic’s Filip Jakucik halved with New Zealand’s Joshua Bai.

The pendulum swung again in favour of the Asia-Pacific when New Zealand’s Zack Swanwick, Enrique Dimayuga of the Philippines and Japan’s Rintaro Nakano all won handsomely.

With just two matches still on the course, the outcome was still up in the air.

While Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Minh and Estonian Richard Teder were making their way down the 18th all square, Thai Phichaksin Maichon was one-up on England’s Charlie Forster after 16.

As Anh Min and Teder were conceding short par putts on the home hole and settling for a half, news filtered back that Phichaksin had triumphed on the 17th green. His 2&1 win confirmed Asia-Pacific’s retention of the Bonallack Trophy and sparked wild scenes of celebration among the Asia-Pacific contingent.

 

UAE Defend at GCC Golf Championships in Oman

(Muscat, Oman) – On December 24, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Team successfully defended their titles at the 2024 GCC Golf Championships in Oman. Collecting eight total medals and defending their Gold Medal in the Ladies’ Division, the UAE National Team players represented well at the Al Mouj Golf Club. 

UAE Teams and Players at the 2024 GCC Championships in Oman

Hosted by the Oman Golf Association, the tournament showcased exemplary talent from five GCC countries, featuring 45 players competing in various divisions. The distinguished Ladies and Junior GCC Golf Tournament comprised three divisions, showcasing the prowess of teams and individual players in the Ladies’ and Boys’ categories, with age classifications of 16 and under and 13 and under, respectively.

Ladies Division: The UAE Ladies National Team, led by Lara El Chaib, defended their 2023 title with a Team Gold and won the Gold (Lara El Chaib), Silver (Intissar Rich), and Bronze (Faye Al Blooshi) Medals in the Individual Category.

Girls U16 Division: The Girls U16 Team also took home the Team Gold Medal with Anca Mateiu winning the Gold Individual Medal and and Sara Ali Abubaker winning the Silver Individual Medal.

Boys U16 Division: Winning the Bronze Medal in the Team category were Mohammed Thabet, Tariq Khoory, and Abdulla Darwish. Mohammed Thabet led the way finishing in 4th in the Individual Category.

Boys U13 Division: Representing the UAE in the Boys U13 Division was Zayed Ali Abubaker. A product of the UAE National Junior Development Program – Future Falcons this was Zayed’s first international competition. Zayed finished in Fifth Place.

UAE Ladies Defend The Gold Medal.

The successful conclusion of the GCC Golf Tournament marks a triumphant end for the Emirates Golf Federation in 2024. As the year comes to a close, the UAE teams and players are hopeful for continued success. Stay connected with the Emirates Golf Federation on social media for the latest updates and news.

 

 

UAE Ladies & Junior Golf Team look to Defend their Titles at the GCC Golf Champs

Muscat, Oman – From December 22-24, 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ladies and Junior National Golf Teams will embark on a journey to Muscat, Oman, to participate in the highly anticipated GCC Golf Championship. This distinguished event will feature representation from 5 GCC countries, with over 45 players showcasing their skills on the renowned grounds of the Al Mouj Golf Club.

UAE Ladies and Junior Teams at the 2023 GCC Golf tournament in Muscat, Oman

Hosted by the Oman Golf Association, the UAE Ladies and Junior National Golf Teams look to defend their titles after capturing three team Gold Medals and four Individual Medals at the 2023 GCC Golf Championships. As last year, five countries will field both team and individual players in the Ladies’ and Boys’ divisions, with age categories of 16 and under and 13 and under.

Representing the UAE on the Ladies’ team will be Intissar Rich, Faye Al Blooshi, and Lara El Chaib. Intissar will also be looking to defend her Gold Medal in the Individual Category for Team UAE.

In the Junior Divisions playing on the UAE Girls U16 Team will be Anca Mateiu and Sara Abubaker.

Mohammed Thabet, Tariq Khoory, and Abdulla Darwish will be playing on the UAE Boys U16 Team.

Rounding out the UAE players will be Zayed Ali Abubaker who will be competing in the Boys U13 Individual Category. Zayed will be competing in his first international event and is a product of the UAE National Junior Development Program – Future Falcons.

The Team Category will be determined by the top two gross scores, out of three players each round, while the Individual Category will be scored based on the best individual gross score from each division.

Traveling with the teams are EGF Vice President General Abdullah Alhashmi and EGF Secretary General Khaled Al Shamsi, along with National Team Coach Faycal Serghini.

General Abdullah Al Hashmi shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are eager to see our ladies’ team defend their title while also witnessing the emergence of new young talent. For many of these players, this championship marks either the beginning or a significant step in their golfing journey. We extend our sincere gratitude to Oman for graciously hosting this prestigious event for the second consecutive year, providing a vital platform for our athletes to compete and grow. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration to further develop golf across the GCC nations.”

Team UAE will commence the tournament with the first round on December 22nd, and conclude with the final round on December 24th. For real-time updates and to follow the action of Team UAE, please stay connected with the Emirates Golf Federation on social media.

Al Marar and Alshuwaihi Combine for 50 Points to Win the first Monthly Match of the Season

(Al Ain, UAE) – On December 15, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation hosted the first Monthly Match of the 2024 – 2025 golf season at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club. Taking home the top prize in the Two Ball Betterball Division was Ahmed Al Marar and Ahmed Alshuwaihi.

2024 Dec Monthly Match Winners

Over 40 players came together for a multiple format competition which included male, female, and junior Stableford winners, as well as a Two Ball Betterball Division. The event also on course prizes for the longest drive and nearest to the pin

In the past few years, Al Ain has become a hub for EGF events hosting the most recent UAE CUP and Faldo Series Grand Final. With much anticipation, Al Ain will be hosting its second Challenge Tour event in April 2025.

Winning the Individual Stableford Men’s Division was Khalid Al Qubasi with 37 points. With 40 points Amir Al Barki won the Individual Stableford Senior Division.  Aliya Al Qubasi won the Women’s Stableford Division and rounding out the Stableford awards was Abdulla Salmeen in the Junior Division with 29 points after a count back with Zayed Ali.

Ahmed Al Marar and Ahmed Alshuwaihi – Monthly Match Dec 2024

For the first event of the golf season, the EGF introduced a separate Two Ball Betterball division where Ahmed Al Marar and Ahmed Alshuwaihi won by a convincing four points. The team combined for an event total of 50 points. The EGF also put out eight on-course special prizes that were handed out for both males and females nearest to the pin and longest drives.

Stay tuned to the Emirates Golf Federation, social media pages, and news updates for the next announcement for the January 2025 monthly match.

 

Junior Dubai Desert Classic Unveils Inaugural International College Showcase

(Dubai, UAE) – The Junior Dubai Desert Classic (JDDC), in association with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA), is proud to announce the first-ever JDDC International College Showcase – Presented by JAGA, to be held on January 8-9, 2025, at the prestigious Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

This groundbreaking showcase will provide junior golfers the unique opportunity to interact with and showcase their talents in front of NCAA Division I, Division II, and NAIA coaches. Attendees can expect to meet representatives from esteemed institutions including Arkansas, Barry University, and Keiser University, among a lineup of other top colleges eager to discover new talent in the sport.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, Hero Dubai Desert Classic, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “We are ecstatic to launch the International College Showcase at JDDC. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between young athletes in Asia and the collegiate level in the United States, providing them with unparalleled opportunities to pursue their golfing careers.”

The Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA) is working alongside a distinguished team of international college placement professionals, including the renowned sports management company ASM, led by golf legend Ernie Els. “We believe that this showcase will not only elevate the junior golf community in Asia but also create viable pathways to collegiate golf, ensuring that aspiring golfers receive the guidance and exposure they need,” Els stated.

2024

Additionally, NPU, which operates on the Canadian (OSSD) curriculum, is recognized as a leading education foundation, offering vital support to students at JAGA and those pursuing college programs. “NPU stands as a testament to excellence in education and sport, ranking among the top institutions globally for placing student-athletes in NCAA athletics emphasized Scott Mcleod, Founder and President, at NPU.

“As Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation, I am proud to champion initiatives that empower the next generation of golfers. The JDDC International College Showcase marks a defining moment for youth golf in Asia, bridging the gap between young talent and the collegiate stage. By positioning Dubai as a global hub for golf development, we are laying the foundation for a new era of excellence. Our commitment to academic and athletic development remains unwavering, as we create pathways that inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness both on and off the course”, said General Abdullah Alhashmi, EGF Vice President.

John Laroche, CEO of JAGA and JAGA International College Showcases, added, “Our commitment to supporting junior golf through pathways to college is unwavering. Collaborating with JDDC and EGF, with our partners at ASM and NPUc allows us to create a nurturing environment for these young talents to flourish, from early years, until they are College Ready.”

Be sure to follow the EGF and all partners of the JDDC International College Showcase on social media to see the latest news and updates.

Adrian Otaegui set to fly UAE Flag for 2025 Season

(United Arab Emirates)—The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Olympic Committee and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) officially announce that Adrian Otaegui will represent the UAE as a professional golfer on all professional golf tours worldwide.

International golf star Adrian Otaegui has the honor of representing the Emirates in foreign sporting events

Otaegui has called the UAE home for the past 13 years since the age of 19 a golden passport holder and property owner in Dubai. Adrian has not only been an ambassador for the Emirates Golf Federation and the UAE national golf team but has collaborated with the Federation assisting with national training, as well as a partner for the UAE, determined golfers, or Graeme, which was announced at the DP world tour championship in November 2021.

Adrian Otaegui giving UAE National Juniors for a short game clinic in January 2019

Otaegui’s amateur golf accomplishments include winning the British Boys Championship in 2010, and the Spanish Amateur Championship in 2018, 2010, and 2011. As an amateur Otaegui was also the winner of the Open de Paris in 2010 which was a professional event.

In 2011 Otaegui earned his European Tour card at the age of 19 since then Adrian has 5 DP Tour Wins, which include the 2017 Paul Lawrie Match Play in Germany, the 2018 Belgian Open, the 2020 Scottish Championship 2020, the 2022 Andalucia Valderrama Masters and most recently the 2024 Volvo China Open.

Adrien Otaegui at the Volvo China Open

Otaegui had this to say about representing the UAE, “The UAE is my home, I love its culture and the way it has been one of the most innovative countries over the last 50 years. My motivation is to represent the UAE around the world and to bring home an Olympic medal for this amazing country.

At the same time, I feel the young generations of Emirati golfers must have a model, someone they know, and someone to inspire them to become better golfers. I am very excited to help the development of golf in the UAE and help the Emirates Golf Federation create an elite program for future champions”.

Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman, General Abdullah Alhashmi said, “This is an amazing accomplishment not only for Adrian but also for UAE golf. We will continue to develop and push our country to the highest levels across the world. Adrian has been an ambassador for UAE golf for a long time and his integrity on and off the golf course is what we want our programs and national players to resemble. We wish Adrian, his family, and his entire team the best of luck and we look forward to many more accomplishments in the near future”.

Adrain’s first event back on the DP World Tour after finishing 34th in the 2023-2024 Race to Dubai Order of Merit will be the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa on December 5-8 2024.