Emirates Golf Federation to host EGF Order of Merit Championship at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club

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(Al Ain, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has announced the dates for the 2022 – 2023 EGF Order of Merit Championship. It will be held at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st May 2023.

Order of Merit Winners – 2019

This season-ending Championship sees 80 players invited to compete: the top 30 players from each of the Men’s and Ladies’ EGF Order of Merit tables, along with 20 top Juniors. For the Men’s and Lady’s Divisions, World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points will be available for this three-round championship.

The Order of Meirt Leaderboards are starting to take shape as the season is coming to an end. In the Men’s category, Sam Mullane is leading by more has more than 50 points. With two more events on the schedule, Sam should take home the top spot for the 2022-2023 season.

In the Ladies’ Division, the last Order of Merit event was played this past weekend at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Winning the Order of Merit Ladies Gross Division was Jamie Camero and in the Net Division Aoife Kelly was the season-long winner.

The Junior Divisions’ will be finalized this weekend, with close contention in each of the Boys’ and Girls’ Gross and Net divisions a lot is up for grabs, and this weekend’s final event.

To see the EGF Order of Merit Leaderboards click here. 

The format for the Order of Merit Championship for both Men and Ladies is a 54-hole strokeplay tournament that is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event for both Men and Ladies. The Junior Division, boys and girls, is played over 36 holes.

Al Ain, fondly known as the ‘oasis city’, is home to the spectacular sports and entertainment destination – Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. The facility encompasses an impressive golf course, a full-fledged equestrian center, a floodlit cricket ground, a rugby field, and a shooting club, all offering gorgeous views of the majestic Jebel Hafeet Mountains. Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting, and Golf Club, or AESGC is more than a regular golf course or equestrian center. It is a social hub and a hotspot of activities for sports and recreation buffs in Abu Dhabi. AESGC has well-equipped rugby and cricket fields along with a Golf Academy offering multiple courses and a team of PGA professionals. The venue is also a popular place to host weddings and other events. A significant part of AESGC is its Golf Club and Golf Academy. The impressive 18-hole championship golf course is one of the best grass golf courses in the UAE. The Back 9 is now equipped with floodlights, allowing the game to resume well into the evening.

Aloft, the hotel that serves AESGC is also providing us with good rates for the tournament days so that players can enjoy a full weekend of golf and relaxation with families.

At the tournament announcement, General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice-Chairman of the EGF commented, ‘After a few years of not hosting the EGF Order of Merit championship due to the pandemic and other circumstances, the Emirates Golf Federation is excited to announce that the 2022-2023 Order of Merit Championship will be hosted at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club we are particularly excited for this event as Al Ain has always been a strong supporter of the Federation and this event. Moving forward we look to build upon this event and other championships at Al Ain as the Golf Club is a true oasis in the UAE that has some of the best facilities in the country. As the season comes to an end the Order of Merit Leaderboards is as strong as we’ve seen it over the past years. We look forward to hosting the best amateurs in the UAE while providing them with World Amateur Golf Ranking points and the opportunity to compete against their peers. Good luck to all players for the rest of the season and see you in Al Ain in May.’

Mohamed Darwish Wins March EGF Monthly Medal

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Resident Hannah Alan Shoots 70 for Best Gross

(Ras al Khaimah, UAE) – On Saturday, March 18th, 2023, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the March EGF Monthly Medal at Al Hamra Golf Club supported by eGolf Megastore.

Hannah Alan

With a total of 36 points, playing perfectly his game, Mohamed Darwish wins the overall Stableford Category, followed by Yaser Al Marzooqi with 34 points. Dividing the categories, Rashed Al Emadi wins with 30 points the Division A, and Division B was led by Shawqi Sajwani with 34 points.

Al Hamra Golf Club became an official DP World Tour venue when the Tour visited the beautiful Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates for the first time in 2022, hosting the inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Championship. This eighteen-hole golf course, designed by Peter Harradine, opened its doors in the year 2007 and meanders 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 meters of sand combined with expert shaping have come together to create gentle elevation changes as the terrain moves around the lagoons rising and falling from plus one to plus eight meters. Al Hamra Golf Club’s Par 72 Championship course lends itself perfectly to all levels of golfers, providing the fledgling novice or the most accomplished of players with an enjoyable and interesting golfing challenge.

The elite division competed only in the gross category, and at distances that were considerably adjusted as the EGF wants to encourage the elite player to play in conditions similar to those of the international competitions.  7 ladies competed for the best in the Elite category and Hannah Alan won the Elite Division Ladies shooting 70, followed by Jamie Camero with a total gross score of 74.

Mohammed Skaik

In Elite Division – Men, from the 4 players, three shot scores of  83, but after a count back Mohammed Skaik came out as the winner.

With a total of 41 points dr. Rabab Al Naj wins the Ladies Stableford Category and junior Rashed Al Halfeiti won his division with 35 points.

In the Senior Division, for those who are 50 years of age or older, Amir Barki collected 36 points to win the division.

The event also had two “On Course Challenges” up for grabs. Taking home the Longest Drive Award for Men was Rashid Al Hafeiti. Winning the Nearest to the Pin Award in the men’s category was Sultan Al Qwais.

The ladies had a separate competition for the “On course challenges” and the winner of the Longest Drive is Hannah Alan. Sara Ali won Nearest to the Pin.

To follow the EGF and check up on the latest UAE golf news revert to the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

UAE Captures Bronze Medals at GCC Championship in Bahrain

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Ahmad Skaik Wins Individual Silver Medal

(Manama, Bahrain) – On March 6th – 9th, 2023 the 25th edition for the Men’s and the 14th edition for the Under 18 GCC Championship at Royal Golf Club in the “Riffa Views” area in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

UAE’s teams and delegates at GCC Championship 2023, Manama, Bahrain

The 2023 GCC Golf Championship is the 25th edition for the Men’s and the 14th edition for the Under 18 GCC Golf Championship. Six teams are confirmed to play: Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the host of this year Bahrain. In the presence of Dr. Abdul Rahman Sadiq Askar, CEO of the Public Sports Authority, and Major General Ali Saqr Al Nuaimi, President of the Bahrain Golf Association, the opening ceremony was held on Sunday, at the Royal Golf Club.

In a new partnership with Adidas, the UAE teams proudly sported their new gear representing in the Gulf Championship, headed by Khaled Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Emirates Golf Federation, and General Director of EGF, Akram Skaik.

After winning back-to-back Presidents Cups, Ahmad Skaik led the men’s team winning the Individual Silver Medal.

Along with Ahmad, Khalifa AlMasaood, Hasan Almusharrekh, and Saif Alhadrami completed the Men’s Team won the Team Bronze Medal for the 2023 GCC Golf Championship

The Under 18 Team was made up of Rashid Aljassmy, Rashid Alnaqbi, and Mohammad Skaik.  After three days of battle, the young boys brought home the team Bronze Medal only 6 shots behind the runners-up. Winning the team gold medal in Junior Championship was the host country’s team, Bahrain with Oman as the Runner Up.

In the Men’s Division, Qatar had a strong GCC Championship capturing back-to-back Team and Individual Gold Medals. Second place was the Bahrain team, and the UAE men’s team came back home with the bronze medal.

Saleh Alkaabi of Qatar won the Individual Gold Medal shooting rounds of 72-69-73-76 for a championship total of 290, 2-over-par. The Kingdom of Bahrain player, Ahmed Al Zayed won the Bronze Medal in Individual Competition.

UAE’s top amateur golfer Ahmad Skaik won the Individual Silver Medal with a score of +10 over par. Skaik fired rounds of 72-73-71-82 for a total of 298, 10-over-par.

 

Ahmad Skaik Wins Back-to-Back Presidents Cups

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18-Hole Playoff Confirms 2023 UAE Presidents Cup Champ

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – On February 18-19, 2023, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted over 100 United Arab Emirates (UAE) national golfers, at the 2023 UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The 11th edition of the UAE Presidents Cup did not disappoint. After an 18-hole playoff Ahmad Skaik won the 2023 UAE Presidents Cup sealing his fate on back-to-back victories, his third win in four years. Alai Al Emadi defended her title in the Ladies’ Division, and Rashed al Naqbi won the Junior Division.

The 2023 UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC Winners with His Highness Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and Najeeb Busheri

To celebrate this year’s Presidents Cup, the award ceremony was graced by His Highness Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and Head of Network Distribution at HSBC UAE, Najeeb Busheri.

The 2023 UAE Presidents Cup will be one to remember. Hosted at Abu Dhabi Golf Club the Emirates Golf Federation organized an entire weekend of competition spanning from the beginning level to the elite amateur level. This included the Main Event which had a junior division, ladies’ division, senior division, and an elite division. In addition, the Federation held the Future Falcons 9-Hole Championship on the Garden Course, as well as the Future Falcons skills challenge. The Future Falcons Skills Challenge allowed beginning-level children and families to participate in a fun competition during the UAE Presidents Cup. This skills competition will consist of chipping, putting, and driving competitions.

Following a scoring error Sunday night Ahmad Skaik and Hassan Al Musharrekh were called back to the course on Wednesday, February 22nd to have an 18-hole playoff. With rounds of  77-72 for the Championship and a 70 (2-under-par) for the playoff, Ahmad Skaik won the 2023 UAE Presidents Cup. Ahmad had this to say after the championship, “golf is a crazy sport, and you must be able to adapt to certain things to overcome the hurdles that the sport throws at you. This weekend was a great example of that. It is great to be back on the course full-time. I wanted to use this Championship to show everyone that I’m healthy again and ready for the rest of the year, I think I did that. I want to thank Hassan, he’s a great competitor and a brother of mine on the National Team, we have a lot to accomplish together this year. It’s always an honor to win the UAE Presidents Cup and I am grateful for all the support that I have received from the EGF and entire the UAE. I’d like to thank my family, coaches, and of course my teammates for pushing me and making me a better person on and off the course.”

Winning the Runner Up prize was Hassan Al Musharrekh with rounds of 73 76 and a playoff round of 76. Rounding out the Top-3 and coming in Third Place after a countback, was Saif Thabit with a total gross score of 155.

For the first time, the UAE Presidents Cup created an Elite Invitational Category offering UAE resident golfers the opportunity to compete in the championship. Winning the Best Invitational Men’s Division was Jonathan Selvaraj shooting one-over par for the weekends and in the Best Invitational Ladies Division Jamie Camero also shot one-over par.

The Overall Net winner for the event was Mohammed Darwish, who finished with a Net Total of 130 for the two days.

The Senior Division saw more than 10 different competitors that were over the age of 50 years old competing for a prize. The winner of the Senior Division with a total gross score of 156 was Saeed al Malik.

Defending her title and winning the Ladies’ Division for the third year straight was Alia Al Emadi. Alia shot a total of 165 in two days. The Ladies Overall Net winner was Hamda al Suwaidi with a total gross score of 167.

In the always-growing Junior Division, Rashed al Naqbi walked away with the 2023 Junior Division title. Rashed shot a championship total of 156 to claim his first UAE Presidents Cup Junior victory.

Winning the Runner-Up prize in the junior division was Sultan al Jassmy with a championship total of 165. Taking home, the junior net prize was Mohammed Thabet.

Claiming victory in the Future Falcons Championship, Ali Almaazmi won the Boy’s Division and Latifa Al Jassmy won the Girl’s Division.

General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice-Chairman of the EGF had this to say following the championship. “Congratulations to all of the winners. On behalf of the Emirates Golf Federation, we would like to thank HSBC for its continued support of this amazing championship. This weekend is a true celebration of UAE golf. Thank you to Abu Dhabi Golf Club and to The Westin, Abu Dhabi for hosting our players and families. Lastly, thank you to Abu Dhabi Sports Council and eGolf Megastore for enhancing our championship. UAE golf is moving forward, we have a lot of work to do, but together with our partners and stakeholders we will achieve our goals.”

EGF Set for the 2023 UAE Presidents Cup Sponsored by HSBC

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New Future Falcons Skills Challenge for Beginner Golfers

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – On February 18-19, 2023, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) will host the 11th edition of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Over 100 golfers of all ages, genders, and skill levels will compete throughout the weekend to determine the nation’s top golfers. In addition to HSBC’s sponsorship, the EGF has teamed up with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and eGolf Megastore to provide the players with a greater experience.

The 2022 UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC Champion, Ahmad Skaik with His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, General Abdallah Alhashmi, and Head of Network Distribution at HSBC UAE, Najeeb Busheri Najeeb Busheri

EGF is thrilled to work alongside HSBC for the 11th year. HSBC’s purpose is to open up a world of opportunity for the clients and communities it serves, and the engagement it delivers with impressive golf events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and its worldwide influence on junior golf programs does exactly that.

Chief Executive Officer for the UAE of HSBC Bank Middle East, Abdulfattah Sharaf, had this to say about the upcoming 2023 UAE Presidents Cup. “HSBC is proud to be supporting the UAE Presidents Cup at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Opening up a world of opportunity is HSBC’s purpose and this is a tournament which does exactly that for talented Emirati golfers when they take to the field at the heart of the nation’s capital.”

2023 has already been an exciting year for UAE golf and we are only 7 weeks into the New Year. With four consecutive professional events under the European Tour Group and DP World Tour, all eyes have been on the UAE.

Celebrating UAE golf and maintaining the vision of golf development, the EGF has added a new Future Falcons Skills Challenge to this year’s activities. The Future Falcons Skills Challenge will allow beginning-level children and families to participate in a fun competition during the UAE Presidents Cup. This skills competition will consist of chipping, putting, and driving competitions that will take place on Sunday, February 19th, during the final round of play.

All spectators are encouraged to watch the final round on Sunday at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and support this fantastic championship. You can see the results and follow the event updates on the EGF website and social media pages.

EGF & Abu Dhabi Sports Council set to host the World Amateur Team Championship in 2023 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

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(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – In October 2023 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) will be hosting the World Amateur Team Championship (WATC) at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

From Left to Right: H. E. Aref Al Awani, Antony Scanlon, Gen. Abdullah Alhashmi

Following the recent announcement and approval from the International Golf Federation (IGF), the 2023 WATC venue has officially been changed to Abu Dhabi Golf Club, National Course. In conjunction with this announcement, the EGF and Abu Dhabi Sports Council have agreed to partner in successfully hosting the 2023 WATC in the United Arab Emirates.

The World Amateur Team Championships are a biennial international amateur golf competition conducted by the International Golf Federation. The championships will be held in the Middle East for the first time since their inauguration in 1958. 2023 will mark the 33rd men’s championship for the Eisenhower Trophy which will be held from 18th–21st October and the 30th women’s championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy which will be held from 25th-28th October 2023. The competition brings together the best amateur golfers who have aspirations of collegiate golf or turning professional. Some of the biggest names in golf who participated in the WATC are Annika Sorenstam (SWE) ’90, ’92, Jack Nicklaus (USA) ’60, Colin Montgomerie (GBI) ’84, Sergio Garcia (ESP) ’96, ‘98, Rory McIlroy (IRE) ’06 and Tiger Woods (USA) ’94.

Last month the EGF and ADSC were delighted to receive a visit from IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlan. Mr. Scanlon was appointed IGF Executive Director in 2010 and is responsible for the promotion of golf as an Olympic Sport, the international development of golf, and the representation of golf within the Olympic Movement. His visit to Abu Dhabi marked the beginning of the organization of the WATC in Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Scanlon had this to say following his visit to Abu Dhabi “The IGF is very excited to be holding our first World Amateur Team Championships in the Middle East. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club will provide the best male and female amateur players in the world with the opportunity to compete on an exceptional course at a world-class facility. We thank the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their support and look forward to working with the Emirates Golf Federation on the successful delivery of the Championships.”

The IGF comprises 152 national federation members from 149 countries.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club – Hole #13

After hosting 16 editions of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Abu Dhabi Golf Club will be the host of many big events next year, starting with Hero Cup, a recently announced Challenge Tour event, and the World Amateur Team Championships. Abu Dhabi Golf Club was designed by Peter Harradine in 1998. The impressive clubhouse, built in the shape of a falcon with its wings outstretched, overlooks the golf course.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) was established in 2006 by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. ADSC is aligned with the emirate’s leadership vision to develop sports and youth activities. The Council promotes an effective, emirate-wide sports calendar that stimulates the desire to participate in quality sports among all Abu Dhabi residents and helps the talented and motivated reach their sporting potential. The sports council supports the organization and hosting of many international sporting events in Abu Dhabi.

“We strongly believe that making the practice of sport a daily lifestyle, representing its positive impact on public health. Precisely for this reason, the Sports Council is supporting the Emirates Golf Federation and its vision of golf development, and creating a competitive pathway for the sport within the UAE. We look forward to hosting the best amateurs in the sport of golf while celebrating Abu Dhabi as a golf destination. said His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

After winning the bid for the 2023 WATC back in October 2022 the EGF’s Championship Committee made the pivot of changing from the then-host city Dubai to Abu Dhabi in order to provide a better player experience.

“The Emirates Golf Federation, IGF, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Golf Club have been working hard behind the scenes to make the new venue work for everyone involved, more importantly, the teams and players. For the EGF to host the WATC in the Middle East for the first time it is important that we put our best foot forward. With the support and backing of the Sports Council, this will only elevate the player experience. Likewise, Abu Dhabi Golf Club has the resume of hosting the best championships in this part of the world. We are excited to continue to work with the IGF team and our Championship Committee to deliver a championship at the highest level leaving a legacy for UAE golf. On behalf of the EGF Chairman His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi and the rest of the EGF Board of Directors we would like to thank Abu Dhabi Sports Council for its continued support,” said Vice Chairman of the EGF General Abdullah Alhashmi.

EGF Hosts First Future Falcons Par 3 Challenge of 2023

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(Dubai, UAE) – On Saturday, January 14, 2023, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the first Future Falcons Par 3 Challenge of the year at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Under the Future Falcons National Junior Development Program supported by HSBC, 33 National juniors participated in the Par 3 Challenge. The top players from this Par 3 Challenge will be invited to participate in the Future Falcon Skills Competition next Sunday at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

Participants of the Future Falcon Par 3 Challenge at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

As part of the Future Falcons program that aims to attract more UAE children to golf, the Par 3 Challenge at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is one of many events that the Federation will host this year in order to bring the UAE National golfing community together. On Saturday 33 juniors from the ages of 4 and 16, competed in 3 categories, beginners, intermediate and advanced. Each category had a different level of difficulty by the number of holes they played.

“We want to host more events to bring our community together but more importantly we want to give junior golfers the opportunity to play on the golf course. Utilizing the Par 3 courses around the UAE will accomplish this goal” said Akram Skaik Director General of the Emirates Golf Federation

The Future Falcons program is a long-term commitment of co-title tournament partners HSBC, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Emirates Golf Federation to support the growth of golf in the UAE. The program was created in 2016 as a recreational and mass participation platform evolving to become a sustainable long-term structure and framework for the game.  The Future Falcons junior golf program aims to educate, engage, and inspire youngsters in a bid to unearth the next generation of golfing talent.

Winning the Beginner’s Girls Division was Aya Faghihi, followed by Ashba Alfalasi. The winner of the Beginner’s Boys Division was Mohammad Alhaddad and Arsen Sagatov came in second. Moving forward, in the Intermediate level, after 6 holes played, Zayed Almaazmi was the winner and Khaled Al Shaibah was the runner-up.

The Advanced Division winners after 9 holes were Salama Al Jassmy followed by Fatima Kalbat and the in the Boys division Ali Al Haj, was the winner followed by Abdullah Al Blooshi.

More details about the next Future Falcon Par 3 Challenge will be announced. To follow the EGF and check up on the latest UAE golf news revert to the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

Amir Al Barki Wins December National Monthly Medal at Trump International Golf Club – Dubai

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UAE young resident Anca Mateiu Shoots 72 for Best Gross

EGF Acknowledges 2021-2022 Order of Merit Winners

(Dubai, UAE) – On December 17, 2022, at Trump International Golf Club, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the December United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Monthly Medal sponsored by eGolf Megastore. For the first time this season, in addition to the 43 nationals, the EGF invited eight resident golfers to compete in a new Elite Division.

2022 December UAE National Monthly Medal and 2021-2022 EGF Order of Merit Winners

During this prize-giving ceremony, we also invited the winners of the 2021-2022 season of the Order of Merit Competition.

Located in the heart of DAMAC Hills, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai exceeds all expectations. This stunning property features an exquisite championship links-style golf course designed by world-renowned course architect, Gil Hanse.

Winning the December National Monthly Medal was Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club member Amir Al Barki with 35 points. Finishing as the Runner-Up for the event was Mohammed Darwish who collected 33 points.

Anca Mateiu

The newly created Elite Male and Female Divisions saw the top National and Resident golfers compete head-to-head. Using the Strokeplay Format this division was added to provide an extra level of competition while allowing the best amateur golfers in the UAE to connect. Tee marker yardages and playing conditions were considerably adjusted as the EGF wanted to create playing conditions similar to World Amateur Golf Ranking international competitions.

12 golfers competed in the Elite Female Division. Anca Mateiu won the division shooting an impressive 72 even par. In Elite Men’s Division, eight players participated. Ahmed Rayan had the best score with a 77, 5-over-par.

In the Senior Division, for those who are 50 years of age or older, Sultan Al Ali collected 35 points to win the division.

Awards were also given based on handicap with an A-Division (0-8 handicap) and B-Division (9-18 handicap) winners. Winning the A-Division Prize was Khalid Al Qubaisi with 30 Stableford Points. Ahmed Al Blooshi won the Division-B prize with 32 Stableford Points.

Dr. Rabab Al Haj won the Ladies’ Division with 25 points and junior Ahmed Al Awais won his division with 35 points.

The event also had “On Course Challenges” up for grabs. Winning the Men’s Longest Drive Award was Ahmed Al Blooshi and Rashid Al Hafeti won the Nearest to the Pin Award. For the ladies, Sara Engsig won the Longest Drive Award and Intissar Rich won the Nearest to the Pin Award.

Next month the EGF will head to Dubai Hills Golf Club on January 21st. To follow the EGF and check up on the latest UAE golf news revert to the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

 

UAE TO HOST TWO CHALLENGE TOUR EVENTS IN 2023

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  • Abu Dhabi Challenge to take place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from April 27-30
  • Another UAE event, yet to be announced, will take place the week after
  • 20 players will earn DP World Tour cards for the 2024 season

The UAE will play host to two events on the 2023 Challenge Tour schedule, which features a record overall prize fund and a minimum of 29 tournaments, staged across three continents in 18 different countries.

 

As part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, back-to-back events will be held in the country with April’s Abu Dhabi Challenge preceding another UAE event that is confirmed but yet to be announced.

It will be the first time the Challenge Tour has played in the UAE since the 2018 Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final, which was won by now DP World Tour star Adri Arnaus.

Players will compete for total prize money of €8,200,000 on the 2023 Road to Mallorca, which will begin with the Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open in February, the first of four co-sanctioned events with the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

India returns as a host country for the first time since 2013 with two events in March, the Duncan Taylor Black Bull Challenge followed by The Challenge presented by KGA.

The Challenge Tour will head to Spain in May for the Challenge de España, which will kick-start a run of 20 tournaments in 22 weeks and see the Road to Mallorca travel through 15 countries in Europe, including Italy for the Italian Challenge at Golf Nazionale, the venue which will then host the first two days of the 2023 Junior Ryder Cup in September.

The 2023 season will conclude with the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A, at Club de Golf Alcanada from November 2-5, as the top 45 players on the Rankings battle it out for one of the life changing 20 DP World Tour cards.

Those 20 players who benefit from this formal pathway to the DP World Tour will then be eligible for the DP World Tour’s Earnings Assurance Programme, guaranteeing them minimum earnings of $150,000 for the 2024 season if they play in 15 or more events.

The top five graduates will also benefit from the John Jacobs Bursary, similarly designed to provide security and a strong platform for their first season on the European Tour group’s top tier.

Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour, said: “Our expansive global schedule gives our members the opportunity to play for a record total prize fund and benefit from our formal pathway to the DP World Tour, as we continue to provide an incredible platform for the next generation of golf’s superstars.

“I would like to thank the integral support of our promoters, national federations, and tournament sponsors, who have helped make this possible. The fact that 20 of our current national federations and promoters have extended their support through to next year is testament to their commitment and the strength of our Tour heading into 2023.

“We are also very grateful for the commitment of Rolex, The R&A, and DP World through their title partnership of the DP World Tour, all of whom have helped us to provide this comprehensive global schedule for some of the brightest talents in world golf.”

In 2022, 25 former Challenge Tour players won on the DP World Tour – including 2021 graduates Ewen Ferguson and Yannik Paul, while five finished inside the top ten on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex. Sean Crocker became the 200th former Challenge Tour player to win on the DP World Tour when he secured a wire-to-wire victory at the Hero Open, while the total number of wins by Challenge Tour alumni is now 544.

Click here to see the full schedule of the Challenge Tour

Special Olympics UAE signs an MoU with the Emirates Golf Federation

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UAE SO & EGF Host Golf Festival at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, December 12th, 2022: Special Olympics UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Golf Federation yesterday, during the first Special Olympics National Unified Golf Festival at Yas Acres Golf and Country Club in Abu Dhabi. The MoU will promote golf within the Special Olympics UAE community to enhance the skills of Athletes and People of Determination with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and increase their readiness for international tournaments and competitions.

On this occasion, His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “We take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to the Emirates Golf Federation for this valuable partnership. Through this MoU, workshops for coaches, referees, organizers, and volunteers will be arranged to promote and develop golf as an important sport for Special Olympics UAE. We are also pleased with the success of the first Special Olympics UAE National Unified Golf Festival, which was organized in cooperation with the Emirates Golf Association. The wonderful performance of our Athletes, their enthusiasm and great chemistry with their peers and unified partners created the perfect atmosphere for them to explore golf and enjoy it together in an inclusive environment.”

His Excellency added: “Special Olympics UAE organizes Unified Sports events to develop the skill sets of our Athletes across various sports, which empowers and integrates them in society. These events are also a key component of our preparation strategy for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Commenting on the event, General Abdullah AlHashmi, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation said: “Hosting the Special Olympics UAE National Unified Golf Festival at Yas Acres is a true collaboration within UAE golf. The Emirates Golf Federation is committed to providing the opportunity and the platform for every person to have the chance to play and compete. We are all brothers and sisters in this country no matter the age, gender, or disability. We are all one.”

He added: “Special Olympics UAE and Emirates Golf Federation’s partnership will bring everyone together under the same vision and goal. This festival is one of many initiatives that we look to continue to carry out in order to push the UAE Determined Golfers Program.”

The first Special Olympics UAE National Unified Golf Festival witnessed a collaborative competition between the Special Olympics UAE Athletes and unified partners and was organized to prepare the Special Olympics UAE Athletes for their participation in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.