Friday 14^th – Sunday 16^th March 2025 – Fire and Earth

From Friday, 14th March – to Sunday, 16th March 2025, the 2025 Jumeirah Golf Estates Amateur Open took place, bringing together 136 talented golfers to compete across the Fire and Earth courses. This 54-hole stroke play event served as both a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) qualifier and an Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order-of-Merit event, with additional support from The R&A.

Cameron McWhinnie, Assistant Golf Services Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, reflected on the tournament: “The support from the players has been overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful. This event would not have been as special as it was without their dedication throughout. As always, the Agronomy Team deserves recognition for their efforts—they delivered immaculate golf courses and fantastic playing surfaces for all competitors.”

Round 1 on Friday, 14th March, presented a tough challenge, with the Agronomy Team setting difficult pin positions on the slick greens of the Fire course. The standout performances of the day came from Amrit Singh (Emirates Golf Club) and Alistair Hess (The Els Club), both opening with impressive rounds of four-under-par (68), taking the early lead. Hess, in particular, put on a show, as noted by Adam Stastny, Golf Services Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates:
“With seven birdies on the scorecard, the talented amateur looked unstoppable for most of the round. Unfortunately, two closing bogeys hurt his final score.”

Round 2 on Saturday, 15th March, began with a brief fog delay before action resumed on the Fire Course. Sam Mullane (Emirates Golf Federation) made an early surge, firing a three-under-par front nine that pushed him up the leaderboard. His brother, Jay Mullane, was close behind, posting a two-under-par front nine in pursuit. Meanwhile, Singh and Hess struggled, carding 73 and 79, respectively. Anca Mateiu also made a charge with an impressive three-under-par 69, securing third place at the end of the day.

The final round took place on Sunday, 16th March, on the Earth Course, home to the DP World Tour Championship—a fitting stage for the tournament’s conclusion. Viktor Joachim Kofod-Olsen made an early charge, opening with three birdies. However, he was unable to sustain the momentum, finishing the round at three-under-par, leaving him at three-under overall and securing second place. It was a commendable performance, as he climbed seven places in the final round.

However, no one could match the outstanding performance of Rami Samawi. The Swiss golfer started the day in sixth place at two-under-par but delivered a composed final round of 70, finishing with a total score of four-under-par (72-70-70, 212) to claim the championship. Samawi showcased his skill and determination with a clutch finish, sinking two long-range birdie putts on the 17th and 18th holes. Reflecting on his victory, he commented:
“I’m incredibly proud of how I and my playing partners performed today. I’m also grateful for the hard work of the Agronomy Team, who provided us with two stunning golf courses that played beautifully.”

In the Net Division, Deniz Sapmaz (Atasehir Golf Club) emerged victorious with a total score of six-under-par (net 70-71-69). Faye Alblooshi (Emirates Golf Federation) finished in second place, narrowly losing on countback against Sapmaz. In third place was Ayaan Dadabhoy, who posted net rounds of 72-70-73, finishing at net level par to secure his spot on the podium.

The weekend concluded on the Earth Terrace, where competitors celebrated over a buffet meal and refreshments following the prize presentation. Jumeirah Golf Estates eagerly anticipates the return of this prestigious event in 2026.

(Ras Al Khamiah, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), has once again partnered to offer students across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the opportunity to learn golf within the Northern Emirates.

The EGF’s National Junior Development Program was launched at Al Hamrah Golf Club in conjunction with the RAK Championship 2025 held in Ras Al Khaimah, providing a perfect setting to introduce the initiative. Schools interested in participating were invited to attend and engage in various activities at the event. Students had the chance to learn the fundamentals of golf while also observing and meeting top international golfers. This event served as an inspiring and interactive introduction to both the sport and the program for students and schools alike.

The program began successfully at the start of Term 2 in Ras Al Khaimah, with Al Hamrah Golf Club implementing The R&A ‘Unleash Your Drive ‘six-week initiative, which is a key foundation of the EGF’s National Junior Develpment Program. This program, which is being delivered to four schools with both male and female students, has engaged over 100 students. Under the guidance of Al Hamrah PGA Teaching Professional Damien Scott and his team, weekly one-hour sessions have been conducted to teach students the core skills of golf through engaging, interactive games.

“We at the EGF are thrilled to have this partnership up and running once more. At the Federation, we have a goal to introduce golf to every young Emirati in the UAE. Having dedicated teachers and coaches helps make chasing this goal easier. I’d like to thank Amy Jane Gillingham from the Ministry of Education and Al Hamram Golf Club PGA Teaching Professional Damien Scott for all of their hard work and coordination, having them on board in Ras Al Khaimah allows this program to become a reality”, said Emirates Golf Federation Director of Instruction and UAE National Coach Cameron van Rooyen

After just four weeks, students have demonstrated significant progress in their understanding, physical abilities, and, importantly, a genuine interest in the sport. For many of these students, golf is a new sport, and this initiative not only introduces them to physical skills but also educates them on the etiquette of the game, which can positively influence their behavior.

The long-term objective of the program is not only to provide students with the opportunity to learn a new sport but also to establish a player development pathway for those who exhibit strong interest and talent. The EGF and Ministry of Education plan to expand the program across multiple golf clubs in the Northern Emirates by the end of the 2024-25 academic year.

To find out more about the National Junior Development Program or how to get involved, please contact the Emirates Golf Federation at info@egfgolf.com.

 

UAE Men’s Team Wins 3rd Gold while Youth U18 Team Wins Bronze

 

(King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia) – On February 24 – 27, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Men’s and Youth – U18 – Teams competed in the 2025 Men’s and Youth Cooperation Council Championship (GCC) Golf Championship at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Making history by firing the lowest score ever recorded in the GCC Golf Championships, Ahmad Skaik ran away with the Gold Medal with an impressive 18-under-par (-18) final score.

With Skaik’s historic score, he led the way for the UAE Men’s Team to capture its first ever Team Gold Medal. With rounds of 67-69-66-68, for a championship total of 270, 18-under-par (-18), Skaik finished 15 shots clear of the Silver Medalest. This was an unprecedented finish and the largest lead in the GCC Golf Championship Individual Caragory history. Jonathan Selvaraj finished with the Bronze Medal in the Indivual Category shooting four-over-par (+4) just one shot ahead of Sam Mullane who finsihed in Fouth Place. Rayan Ahmed rounded out the Men’s Team, finishing in Sixth Place with a score of nine-over-par (+9).

Skaik had this to say after his historic victory: “I was hitting the ball very well all week, especially off the tee, which gave me a lot of wedges for my approach shot. With my putter was on, I only made five bogeys, 21 birdies, and one eagle. This, by far, is my best score in a tournament. With all four rounds in the 60s, this was something I’ve wanted to accomplish. I have been working on a lot of tempo and force plate work, which I think has helped a lot. I look forward to taking this finish into the rest of the UAE season and into the summer.”

In addition to the two medal finishes, the Men’s Team also collected the Third Gold Medal in the Team Category, finishing 20-under-par (-20), a commanding 37 stroke difference between themselves and the Second Place – the team from Qatar. Bahrain won the Bronze Medalm in the Team Category.

In the U18 (Youth Division), Team UAE captured the Bronze Medal. Leading the way was Mohammed Thabet, who shot 22-over-par. Thabet also collected the Bronze Medal in the Indiviual Category. Abdulla Kalbat finished in Ninth Place, and Abdulla Salmeen finished in 15th Place in the individual category.

Vice Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi said, “We have truly shattered records with an incredible performance. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible players for their hard work and determination. A special appreciation to the entire coaching staff and my warmest congratulations to our Secretary General, Mr. Khalid Mubarak, for his leadership and dedication.

This was a true team effort, and I couldn’t be prouder. As Vice Chairman of the Federation, it fills me with immense pride to witness such achievements. Let’s keep this momentum going and continue striving for excellence.”

Played at the Royal Greens and Country Club, this year’s GCC Golf Championship was the 16th edition of the Youth Championship and the 27th edition of the Men’s Championship. Royal Green is an 18-hole championship golf course that has played host to European Tour, LIV Golf, Asain Tour, and Ladies European Tour events.

The Men’s Championship was played over four rounds, with the top three scores from the team contributing per round. The Youth competition was played over three rounds, with the top two scores per round contributing to the teams’ overall results.

To see the full results from the championship and all EGF news, follow the Emirates Golf Federation on all social media platforms.

EGF Website: www.egfgolf.com

EGF Facebook: Emirates Golf Federation

EGF Twitter: @EGFuaegolf

EGF Instagram: emiratesgolffederation

EGF LinkedIn: Emirates Golf Federation (EGF)

(King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia) – Starting today, Monday, February 24 – 27, 2025 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Men’s and Youth – 18 & Under – Teams will compete in the 2025 Men’s and Youth GCC Golf Championship at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

Representing the Men’s team will be Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj and Rayan Ahmed. Playing for the Youth – Boys 18 & Under – Team are Abdulla Kalbat, Mohammed Thabet, & Abdulla Salmeen.

Played at the Royal Greens and Country Club this year’s GCC Golf Championship is the 16th edition of the Youth Championship and the 27th edition of the Men’s Championship. Royal Green is an 18-hole championship golf course that has played host to European Tour, LIV Golf, Asain Tour, and Ladies European Tour events.

The Men’s Championship will be played over four rounds with the top three scores from the team contributing per round. The Youth competition will be played over three rounds with the top two scores per round, contributing to the teams’ overall results.

Traveling with the teams will be EGF Secretary General Khalis Mubarak Al Shamsi and National Team Head Coach, Faycal Serghini. To receive regular updates on this championship and all EGF news, be sure to follow the Emirates Golf Federation on all social media platforms.

EGF Website: www.egfgolf.com

EGF Facebook: Emirates Golf Federation

EGF Twitter: @EGFuaegolf

EGF Instagram: emiratesgolffederation

EGF LinkedIn: Emirates Golf Federation (EGF)

 

(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.

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.”

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