(Cavite, Philippines) – On September 4-6, 2024 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be sending two teams to compete in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championship in the Philippines. Representing the UAE will be Mohammad Skaik, Aasiya Saleem, Rayan Ahmed, and Anca Mateiu.
Hosted at The Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club the golfers will have a tough challenge at this Jack Nicklau designed “Signature Golf Course”.
The APGC Junior Championships are the Asia-Pacific’s premier team and individual championship for boys and girls. Players who are 17 years or under as of August 30 each year are eligible to participate. The winner of the boy’s individual competition receives an exemption to play in the Diamond Cup in Japan and the girl’s winner receives an opportunity to play in the KIA Korea Women’s Open.
Each APGC member organization can enter a maximum of two teams of two players (one male and one female), except for the hosts, who are allowed to enter three teams. Teams play fourballs on the first day, foursomes on the second day and singles on the third day. The four combined scores count for each team’s total. Inaugurated in 2015, the event announced the potential of Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, who tied for the top spot in the girls’ individual category. Hataoka has gone on to achieve fame and fortune on the LPGA Tour.
Traveling with the team will be National Team Coach, Camron Van Rooyen. To follow the teams stay tuned to the Emirates Golf Federation social media account for regular updates.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-APGC-Jr-Champ-flier-.jpg10801080Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-09-02 05:12:112024-09-02 05:12:11UAE Sends Two Teams to the 2024 APGC Junior Championship
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: A new chapter in the history of the Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy will be written when Al Hamra Golf Club plays host to the 2025 events.
Al Hamra Golf Club will play host to the Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy from January 8-10, 2025
Staged biennially, the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup-style match play contests pits teams representing the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) against their counterparts from the European Golf Association (EGA).
Featuring the best amateur golfers from the two regions, the 12th staging of the Bonallack Trophy and the fourth version of the Patsy Hankins Trophy will be held from January 8-10, 2025.
Among the star names to have appeared in the Bonallack Trophy since its inception in 1998 are Cameron Smith, Geoff Ogilvy, Min Woo Lee, Hideki Matsuyama, Takumi Kanaya and Kiradech Aphibarnrat for the Asia-Pacific and Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Danny Willett and Francesco Molinari for Europe.
In the Patsy Hankins Trophy, which was launched in 2016, Yuka Saso, Hannah Green, Patty Tavatanakit and Atthaya Thitikul have represented Asia-Pacific with Albane Valenzuela, Emma Spitz, Helen Briem, and Lottie Woad, currently number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, lining up for Europe.
Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the APGC, said: “After the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic which prevented us from staging these events between 2018 and 2023, we’re delighted to be back on track with the biennial scheduling.
“The Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy are special events for both the APGC and the EGA as we get to see stars of the future who will go on to win professional Major titles.
“The continued success of these match play contests are testament to the close working relationship between the APGC and the EGA. We also greatly appreciate the support of the Emirates Golf Federation and Al Hamra Golf Club. Their efforts are central to the success of the 2025 gathering.”
Caroline Huyskes, President of the EGA, said: “We’re really looking forward to yet another exciting encounter between Asia-Pacific and Europe. Matches between teams of geographic regions always prove to be so special. They mobilise an energy in their own right and bring an unforgettable experience for the players and all involved.
“The level of play, sportsmanship and friendship is just amazing. We’re thankful to our close friends at the APGC for organising the 2025 edition and look forward to visiting Al Hamra Golf Club and the UAE, which will surely be outstanding hosts for this great event.”
General Abdulla Al Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and a Board Member of the APGC, said: “The EGF is honoured to play host to the 2025 Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy.
“The talent on both sides of our regions is so high that, among past players who have taken part in the Bonallack and Patsy Hankins, we have now won numerous Majors and countless PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour events.
“We offer a very warm welcome to all players and officials and are confident that another memorable week of golf is in store in January.”
The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation team celebrate their Bonallack Trophy victory at La Manga in Spain last year
In the men’s Bonallack Trophy, which is named after the late Sir Michael Bonallack, ex-amateur standout and former R&A Secretary, Europe holds a 7-4 overall advantage.
Last year at La Manga in Spain was just the second time that Asia-Pacific had won the Bonallack Trophy on European soil, the only other occasion being in 2004 at Italy’s Circolo Golf Roma. Asia-Pacific’s two other successes came at Japan’s Hirono Golf Club in 2002 and Doha Golf Club in 2018, the sole previous occasion the event has been staged in the Middle East.
In the women’s Patsy Hankins Trophy, named after the respected late New Zealand golfing administrator Patsy Hankins, Asia-Pacific holds a 2-1 lead overall.
Located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Troon-managed Al Hamra Golf Club joined the official DP World Tour venue list in 2022, hosting the Ras Al Khaimah Championship. The fourth edition of the championship will take place a fortnight after the Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy, from January 25-28.
Designed by Peter Harradine and opened in 2007, the Al Hamra course measures 7,400 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 72, meandering around four inter-connected open water lagoons merging seamlessly with the water of the Arabian Gulf.
Originally planned to be built on the salt flats bordering the water edge, some five million cubic metres of sand combined with expert shaping came together to create gentle elevation changes as the terrain moves around the lagoons rising and falling from plus one to plus eight metres.
Paul Booth, General Manager at Al Hamra, said: “Al Hamra Golf Club and the team are incredibly excited to be hosting the prestigious Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy.
“These events highlight the pinnacle of amateur golf, bringing together the best talents from across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Our team is dedicated to delivering a world-class experience for all participants, spectators, and partners, showcasing the exceptional facilities and hospitality that Al Hamra and the beautiful Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates have to offer.”
The Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy take place over three days. Five foursomes matches in the morning and five fourball matches in the afternoon are played on both of the first two days. On the final day, all 12 players complete singles matches.
With 32 total points on offer (one for a win, 0.5 for a half and 0 for a loss), 16.5 points are needed to secure victory.
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(Rabat, Morocco) – In conjunction with the continued partnership with the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, over the next three weeks the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Squad players will travel to Morocco for a training camp in preparation for the 2024-25 golf season. 20 UAE players covering five different teams (Ladies, Men’s, 18 & Under, 15 & Under, and 13 & Under) will join forces with the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, Golf Saudi, Lebanon Golf Federation, and Kuwait Golf Federation for a training camp focused on competition, high-performance development, testing, and team building.
UAE National Squad and Coaches
Since the 2022 Arab alliance partnership between the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, the federations have hosted yearly training camps at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam Golf Club. Joining the camp this year, Golf Saudi, Lebanon Golf Federation, and Kuwait Golf Federation will also be sending players to take full advantage of the club’s state-of-the-art driving range, short game, and practice facilities, and two 18-hole championship courses that are rated one of the best in the region.
The EGF has sent the UAE National Team coaches and additional high-level biomechanics and fitness performance coaches from South Africa and Great Britain who have put together a detailed training camp that will focus on player development and competition. These coaches will test and measure all aspects of the players’ golf game while creating a competitive interclub atmosphere between the federations.
General Abdulla Alhashmi
“We are pushing the best out of our players and coaches, said General Abdallah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation. Over the next three weeks, we will put our team to the test, and we will see how our players match up with other programs in the Arab Golf Federation. The Moroccan players have always led the way in being the top performers in Arab golf. By having this opportunity to train and compete against our brothers and sisters we will not only create a fun competitive atmosphere but also, we will find out the areas that we need to improve on as coaches and players. I want to thank the Moroccan Golf Federation which has welcomed the EGF with open arms.”
In addition to General Alhashmi, EGF officials Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General and Akram Skaik, Director General will be attending the training camp.
“In the past 18 months, we have seen some major strides with our high-performance program, and we continue to see progress with our results. We have more ranked players and that is our strategy to reach our goal. Through our camps, training programs, and participation in international tournaments across Asia and Europe the 2024-2025 season will be exciting, General Alhashmi added.
Following the camp the UAE team will have several local and international events that the players will be competing in, including the Asian Amateur Championship, the Arab Golf Championships, and the GCC Golf Championships.
Follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media and at www.egfgolf.com for regular team and player updates.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UAE-Team-2024-Summer-Camp.jpg8701161Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-07-30 06:39:082024-07-30 06:39:08UAE National Golf Squad – Morocco Bound for Competitive Training Camp
(Bloomfield Township, Michigan) – On July 22, 2024, Rayan Ahmed will become the first player to represent the United Arab Emirates at the United States Junior Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club. Rayan will be competing in a field of over 250 players from more than 35 different countries.
Rayan Ahmed
Rayan qualified for the US Junior Amateur Championship due to his World Amateur Golf Ranking.
The US Junior Amateur Championship schedule of play will start today and tomorrow with 36 holes of stroke play, following the first two days the top 64 players will play Match Play, Thursday (day 4) will be the Round of 32 and Round of 16 Match Play, Friday will be the Quarter and Semifinals and the Championship will finish on Saturday, July 27 with a 36-hole Championship Match.
In addition to playing in this week’s junior championship Rayan, over the past weekend Rayan a US Amateur qualifying event at Columbine Country Club in Colorado, United States of America. Rayan shot a 3 under par, 69 winning the event after a one-hole playoff. Winning this qualifier earned Rayan a spot in the 124th US Amateur which will be played at Hazeltine National Golf Club on August 12-18, 2024.
Ryan has had a strong 2023-2024 season playing in the World Amateur Team Championship winning the U18 GCC Golf Championship, and winning the first event GCC Youth Games at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“We would like to wish Rayan the best of luck over the next few weeks. Representing the UAE on the international stage is very important for the Federation and Sports Authority, it comes with great honor. We have talent in the UAE and we plan to show the world the talent that is produced by UAE golf” said Akram Skaik, Director General of the Emirates Golf Federation.
To get the latest update on Rayan and EGF news follow the EGF on social media.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Rayan-Ahmed-.jpg18242024Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-07-22 11:42:422024-07-22 11:56:37Rayan Ahmed Becomes First to Represent UAE at the US Junior Amateur Championship
(Ayrshire, Scotland) – Sara Ali Abubaker made the cut at The R&A Junior Open in Scotland. Over the last two days, Sara has been battling it out with the top junior golfers in the 11th Junior Open at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club.
Firing rounds of 78-83 Sara is currently tied for 26th. Sara will be teeing off at 8:50 local time (Scotland).
The R&A Junior Open is a biennial event where all R&A affiliated Federations and Associations enter their best under-16 boy and girl golfers. The Championship is played over 54 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes a cut was in place that determined who would play the final 18 holes.
Down the road from this year’s Open at Royal Troon, Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club has played host to the Final Qualifying for The Open and The Women’s Armature Championship in the past. The Club’s links-style par 71 (playing par 72 for this championship).
To follow the live leaderboard or receive updates follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/85566AC2-E544-473A-8179-F04BD5FF4427.jpg19201440Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-07-17 05:15:042024-07-17 05:15:04CUT MADE! – Sara Ali Abubaker
(Ayrshire, Scotland) – Invited by The R&A and selected by the Emirates Golf Federation, the United Arab Emirates’s top junior golfers are set to represent at The Junior Open in Scotland. Sara Ali Abubaker and Abdulla Darwish will compete in the 11th Junior Open at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club.
Abdulla Darwish & Sara Ali at The 11th Junior Open at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club.
On July 15-17, 2024, the best junior golfers in the world will assemble for this biennial event where all R&A-affiliated Federations and Associations enter their best under-16 boy and girl golfers. The Championship will be played over 54 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes there will be a cut to determine who will play the final 18 holes.
This will be Sara Ali’s second time participating in this prestigious junior event while Abdulla will be making his first appearance.
Just down the road from this year’s Open at Royal Troon, Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club has played host to the Final Qualifying for the Open and The Women’s Armature Championship in the past. The Club’s par 71 links-style layout will surely test the young boys and girls.
Sara Ali will be teeing off today at 12:04 while Abdullah Darwish will be starting at 13:48, local time. To follow the live leaderboard or receive updates follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Abdulla-Darwish-Sara-Ali-.jpg11471284Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-07-15 07:53:452024-07-15 07:53:45UAE’s Top Juniors Sara Ali and Abdulla Darwish Represent at The Junior Open
(Dubai, UAE) – On June 11, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted over 30 physical education teachers from Emirates Schools Establishment and the sporting service provider ESM, to introduce The R&A Unleash Your Drive in Schools Program supported by GolfWay the Golf Foundation at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Physical Education Teachers at Jumeirah Golf Estates learning how to use the GolfWay equipment
EGF Director of Instruction and National Team Coach, Cameron van Rooyen alongside Nick Horrock, Director of Strategic Partnership, Golf Development Advisor, and Consultant with The R&A and GolfWay put on a three-hour seminar running activities and training physical education teachers on how to implement a first touch golf program into schools.
The objective would be for the interested schools to participate in the program, and run the activities during the physical education classes, this allows the Emirates PGA teaching professionals to link with the schools and to foster a talent identification pathway.
“We must continue to develop the sport of golf at all levels. We look forward to working with our partners, the UAE schools, and golf clubs to ensure the development and success of grassroots golf”, said Akram Skaik the Director General of the EGF
To learn more information about the program or how to start the sport of golf email the Emirates Golf Federation at info@egfgolf.com
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(Petaling Jaya, Malaysia) – On June 12-15, 2024, the United Arab Emirates Girls and Boys National Golf Teams will compete in the 3rd Selangor International Junior Golf Championship at Seri Selangor Golf Club.
UAE National Girls & Boys Team in Malaysia
Over 120 players will compete in an international team and individual championship. Teams will consist of four girls and four boys between the ages of 12 and 19. All players invited to compete are a part of their national countries’ golf program and hold a handicap of 12 or below.
The tournament will be played over three rounds, 54 holes, and will have a cut after the second day. Only the top five teams for the boys and girls will be eligible to play in the final round (third day) of the team event and the top 10 individual players from the boys and girls categories will participate in the third round.
Representing the UAE Girls team will be Aasiya Saleem, Hannah Allen, and Sara Ali. Sara is returning from studying and training abroad this last semester at the IMG Golf Academy in Florida, United States of America.
For the Boy’s Team, Rayan Ahmed will be leading the way assisted by Mohamad Skaik, Neyl Cherrat, and Abdulla Darwish. Be sure to stay tuned to the Emirates Golf Federation’s social media channels for daily updates.
Accompanying the National Team players is Director General Akram Skaik who had this to say before today’s practice round. “Summer is here, the Federation and players are excited for the upcoming months as we have several events that our boys and girls will be traveling to compete in. These experiences will only guide them through their journey as they look to play golf at the highest level. Good luck to all competitors in this year’s Selangor International Junior Golf Championship.”
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Selangor-International-Junior-Championship-.jpg7641083Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-06-12 04:46:552024-06-12 07:49:52UAE Girls & Boys Compete in 3rd Selangor International Junior Golf Championship
(United Arab Emirates, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) launched a new handicap software providing members an updated platform measuring golfers’ ability to compete on an equitable basis. On May 1st, 2024, the EGF launched the United States Golf Association Golf Handicap & Network System – USGA GHIN.
As the governing body of golf in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the EGF is sanctioned to manage and host the World Handicap System (WHS) which encompasses both the Rules of Handicapping and the Golf Course Rating System. To deliver this calculated algorithm for the EGF membership the federation has adopted the USGA GHIN software providing a new user-friendly, modern, and interactive Handicap System.
GHIN is one of the largest handicap management networks offered by the USGA to golf associations and federations across the world. GHIN will link EGF members to more than 2 million golfers and 15,000 golf clubs.
In addition to the kiosks at all UAE golf clubs, the GHIN App offers stat tracking, GPS, and other innovative features that will drive engagement and bring a more accurate handicap for golfers in the UAE.
Another exciting announcement from EGF is the discounted membership rates for EGF Direct Memberships. These rates have come into effect on June 1st. The EGF Membership offers the following benefits:
Official WHS handicap recognized worldwide.
Discounted green fees at UAE golf clubs.
Discounted F&B at selected golf clubs.
Play in events/competitions and receive awards.
Third-party and property damage golfer’s insurance.
Akram Skaik, the Director General of the Emirates Golf Federation had this to say about the new system. “As the governing of golf in the UAE we must provide golfers with the World Handicap System. By adapting the USGA GHIN software the EGF, UAE golf clubs, and members will have a platform that works together in a modern way. This new handicap software will also assist the UAE golf industry, providing solutions for policing members, tournament administration, and data collection. With GHIN we are more connected to our membership and the UAE golf clubs. We would like to thank the hard work from the club administrators for the quick transition and look forward to this new era of golf in the UAE”.
To gain more information about the EGF and UAE golf visit the EGF Website and Social Media pages listed.
The 29th Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup took place on the Faldo course of the Emirates Golf Club on Saturday, 18th May and saw a total of 40 Emirati golfers compete in a stable ford format to win the coveted trophy.
Shames Al Hashemi receiving his trophy from Ramesh Cidambi, COO along with Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing and General Abdullah Al Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation
The tournament was tightly contested, with Shames Al Hashemi declared the overall winner with 36 points. Shames had a great start to his back nine, where he made a gross birdie on Hole 10, which was then followed by a net eagle on Hole 14.
Narrowly edging out Al Hashemi were Rashed Al Emadi and Rayyan Al Maazmi, who both carded 35 points to become first and second runners-up, respectively. Rashed played consistently throughout his round, where he made net birdies on holes 14 and 16. While the highlight of Rayyan’s round came on the front nine, where he made a gross birdie on Hole 8.
Dubai Duty Free Chief Operating Officer, Ramesh Cidambi, along with Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing was joined by General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation at the prize presentation.
Commenting on the Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup, Ramesh Cidambi said: “Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all the participants who played today. We were pleased to have 10 junior golfers participate and to have several female golfers play. We are keen to grow this tournament, which marks its 30th anniversary next year. Thanks to Emirates Golf Club for their efforts in ensuring a great day was had by all.”
General Abdullah Alhashmi added, “The Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup is a highlighted event for the UAE national golf community every year. For almost three decades, Dubai Duty Free and the Emirates Golf Federation have worked together to encourage UAE nationals to play the sport of golf. On behalf of the Emirates Golf Federation, I would like to personally thank Mr. Colm McLoughlin for his hard work, support, and leadership in UAE Golf development. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and growing the game that we all love.”
In the Junior Division, Tariq Khoory won with 32 points. Tariq had a great finish to his round where he made three net birdies in his last five holes. In the Ladies Division, Aasiya Saleem won with 34 points after finishing strong with a net birdie on Hole 18.
In the Gross Division, Intissar Rich won with 37 points. Intissar had an incredible front nine where she shot a gross 33 which included birdies on Hole 3, 5 & the very difficult 6th hole.
Special on-course prizes were also given away to Darwish Al Qubaisi and Hannah Alan, winning Nearest the Pin Men (Hole 8) and Nearest the Pin Ladies (Hole 12), respectively. Shames Al Hashemi and Aasiya Saleem won the Longest Drive Men (Hole 16) and Longest Drive Ladies (Hole 5).
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Ryan has had a strong 2023-2024 season playing in the World Amateur Team Championship winning the U18 GCC Golf Championship, and winning the first event GCC Youth Games at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Firing rounds of 78-83 Sara is currently tied for 26th. Sara will be teeing off at 8:50 local time (Scotland).
The objective would be for the interested schools to participate in the program, and run the activities during the physical education classes, this allows the Emirates PGA teaching professionals to link with the schools and to foster a talent identification pathway.
In the Junior Division, Tariq Khoory won with 32 points. Tariq had a great finish to his round where he made three net birdies in his last five holes. In the Ladies Division, Aasiya Saleem won with 34 points after finishing strong with a net birdie on Hole 18.