Yousuf Finishes Tied for Fourth at the 2017 Arab Golf Championships

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(Aqaba, Jordan) – On November 28th – December 2nd, 2017 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Team competed in the 37th Arab Golf Championship in Aqaba, Jordan. Over 52 players and 11 different countries from the Arab Golf Federation competed in a four-day event at Ayla Golf Club. Leading the way for the UAE and placing tied for Fourth in the overall Individual Category was Khalid Yousuf. The UAE Team finished in 9th place in the Team Category.

UAE Team with Delegates: (Left to Right) Ahmed Skaik, Adel Zarouni, Khalid Yousuf, H.E. Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Abdulwahed Al Qasem

Yousuf had a strong championship battling at the top of the leaderboard all weekend. With rounds of 69 – 75 – 73 – 69 for a championship total of 286, Khalid finished only four shot back from the leader. Yousuf ended his championship 2 under par.

After the championship, Khalid had this to say, “it’s encouraging to see the level of Arab golf improving each year and it’s always nice to see other Arab golfers doing so well. I was extremely happy with my game this weekend considering the windy and cold conditions. The fairways and greens were hard but my approach shots were on target and my recovery shots allowed me to make a lot of “up-and-downs”. To shoot two under par and to be the first UAE National to shoot under par at an Arab Golf Championship is a great honor.”

The UAE team finished 9th overall in the Team Category out of 11 teams. Skaik who was UAE’s second-best showing had a slow start but finished strong with rounds of 86 – 78 – 77 – 74 – for a championship total of 315.

Competing in his first Arab Golf Championship, Abdulwahed Al Qasem had the pressure of providing the team with its third and final score each day. Al Qasem finished with a total of 386 for the championship.

Winning the overall Team Championship was Morocco. Morocco proved to have strong talent as they won the championship with a score of 847, 42 shots better than the second place team. Tunisia took home the Silver and Egypt won the Bronze.

Moving forward the National Team will turn their focus to the Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit events. The next international event will be the GCC Golf Championship during March 2018.

Keep up to date with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the UAE National Team via the EGF website (www.egfgolf.com) and social media.

UAE National Golf Team Set for 2017 Arab Golf Championship in Jordan

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(Aqaba, Jordan) – On November 28th – December 2nd, 2017 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Team will compete in the 37th Arab Golf Championship in Aqaba, Jordan. Over 52 players from the the Arab Golf Federation will compete in a four-day event at the newly opened Ayla Golf Club. Representing the UAE Team will Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik, and Abdulwahed Al Qasem.

Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik, and Abdulwahed Al Qasem with EGF Secretary General Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi

The Ayla Golf Club is an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course designed by the legendary Greg Norman. During the first week of October, The Ayla Golf Club hosted their first professional event which was the MENA Tour’s “Jordan’s AYLA Golf Championship”. Both Yousuf and Skaik played in the MENA Tour event which will provide some much need course management knowledge for this Arab Golf Championship.

The UAE National Team has had a busy three months. With a strong practice schedule and appearances at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Championship in New Zealand and the 2017 Nomura Cup in Malaysia, the National Team will be primed to compete for a top spot.

Yousuf and Skaik will be looking to battle at the top of the leaderboard in the Individual Category, while Al Qasem playing in his first Arab Golf Championship will be looking to provide a strong third score for the Team Category.

The UAE Team will be accompanied by, H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi (Emirates Golf Federation Chairman and Arab Golf Federation Chairman), Adel Zarouni (Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman and Arab Golf Federation Vice Chairman), and Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi (Emirates Golf Federation Secretary General).

The Championship is run over four rounds, the best three scores in a team of four are counted toward each round. Individual scores of players from each country are also recognized for individual Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals.

Follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media to get the latest updates and photos from the event.

Al Ameri Wins the First National Monthly Medal of the Season

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(Dubai, UAE) – On November 25th, 2017 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the first National Monthly Medal of the 2017-2018 golf seasons at The Track – Meydan. 34 United Arab Emirates (UAE) national golfers and 12 national junior golfers gathered for a full day of golf and fellowship. Winning the overall event was Saleh Al Ameri.

National Monthly Medal Winners with the National Junior Foundation Squad

Saleh Al Ameri battled the windy conditions all day in order produce a fantastic score. Al Ameri collected a total of 38 stableford points while shooting an 83 gross score. By having the best stableford score at The Track – Meydan on the day, Saleh also qualified for a pro-am spot at the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic.

Finishing as the Runner-Up for the event was Esam Al Fahim, just one point back with a total of 37 stableford points. Coming in Third Place was Omar Thabit with a total of 35 stableford points.

National Team member, Khalid Yousuf collected the Best Gross prize by shooting a 75 gross score.

Awards were also given based on handicap with an A-Division (0-14 handicap) and B-Division (14-24 handicap) winners. Winning the A-Division Prize, on a countback, was Faisal Al Sayegh with 30 stableford points. Ihaab Tarmoom won the Division-B prize with 33 stableford points.

The event also had two “On Course Challenges” up for grabs. Taking home the Longest Drive Award was Sultan Al Ali. Winning the Nearest to the Pin Award was Mohamed Saeed Abdulla.

During the event, the EGF hosted 12 members of the National Junior Foundation Squad to play a few holes on the 9-hole course. The juniors also worked on their short game by playing the pitch and putt course on the driving range at The Track – Meydan.

“It was great to see the younger generation interacting with the older generation after the event at the award ceremony. One day the boys and girls that are apart of the Foundation Squad will be playing in the main event and this was a great way to show them how the National Community comes together to play this game we all love,” Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, EGF Secretary-General.

To see all photos of this event and prize presentation view the EGF Facebook page.

The next National Monthly Medal will be held at the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. The event will take place on December 23rd. To follow the EGF and check up on the latest UAE golf news revert to the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

UAE Ladies Golf Team Finishes Fourth as Al Hajeri Takes Fifth at The Junior & Ladies Arab Golf Championship

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(Hammam Sousse, Tunisia) – On November 16th – 18th, 2017 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Junior and Ladies National Golf Teams traveled to Tunisia to compete in the 2017 Junior and Ladies Arab Golf Championship. Leading the way for the UAE was Mohammed Al Hajeri who finished in Fifth Place in the Individual 18 & Under Division, while the Ladies Team Placed Fourth in the Team Division.

Mohammed Al Hajeri

The Junior and Ladies Arab Golf Championship is a three-day event that has three different representing divisions – 18 & Under, 15 & Under, and Ladies which took place at the El Kantaoui Golf Club. The 18th edition of Junior Arab Golf Championship and the 9th edition of the Ladies Arab Golf Championship, under the Arab Golf Federation, hosted 9 different countries with over 70 players.

Leading the way for the UAE was Mohamed Al Hajeri. Al Hajeri struggled the first round with an 87 but after a strong second round of 79 and a great final round of 75, Al Hajeri finished in Fifth Place with a 241 total, only two shot back from Third. Playing alongside Al Hajeri was Mohammed Abdulla Saeed. Mohammed shot rounds of 107 – 96 – 98 for a 301. The 18 & Under Team finished in Ninth Place overall.

The Ladies Team had a good outing placing fourth in the Team Division. Reema Al Heloo led the way for the ladies with rounds of 95 – 78 – 91 for a total of 264. Along with Reema, Hamada Al Suwaidi fired rounds of 88 – 92 – 96 for a 276 total. Rounding out the UAE Team was Dr. Rabab Al Haj with rounds of 100 – 102 – 107 for a 309 total.

The UAE 15 & Under Team was made up of Rashid Al Emadi, Obaid Al Heloo, and Khalid Al Mutawa. The team placed fifth with a score of 531. Top player for the UAE in the 15 & Under Division was Rashid Al Emadi with rounds of 91 – 88 – 82 for a total of 261.

For back-to-back years, Morocco outshined the rest of the field. Morocco won Gold in both the 15 & Under and Ladies Team Divisions while taking the Silver in the 18 & Under Team Division. Tunisia won the Gold in the 18 & Under Division and Silver in the 15 & Under and Ladies Divisions.

Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Emirates Golf Federation and National Team Manager had this to say after the Championship, “The Emirates Golf Federation is proud to have participated in this event. This event always shows the direction and strategy of the Arab Golf Federation in developing golf across the region. The UAE Teams will build on this event and look forward to the upcoming GCC Golf Championships.”

UAE National Juniors and Ladies Set for Arab Golf Championship in Tunisia

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(Dubai, UAE) – On November 16th – 18th, 2017 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Junior and Ladies National Golf Teams will travel to Tunisia to compete in the 2017 Junior and Ladies Arab Golf Championship. This three-day event will have three different representing divisions – 18 & Under, 15 & Under, and Ladies which will take place at the El Kantaoui Golf Club.

The Junior & Ladies UAE National Golf Teams Training at the European Tour Performance Institute – Jumeirah Golf Estates Leading Up to the 2017 Arab Golf Championship

This event will be the 18th edition of the Junior Arab Golf Championship and the 9th edition of Ladies Arab Golf Championship that falls under the Arab Golf Federation. With over 8 countries and 3 divisions, the championship will host more than 60 players. The El Knataoui Golf Club has two courses that are set along the Gulf of Hammamet. With expected rain and cool weather, the teams will be tested by the elements but should create a fun and challenging weekend.

For the Boys Divisions, representing the UAE and playing on the 18 & Under team will be Mohamed Al Hajeri and Mohamed Saeed Abdulla. Al Hajeri has just finished playing in the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand three weeks ago and will be looking to use that experience as a boost of confidence heading into the weekend.

Coming off a gold medal victory at the GCC Golf Championship back in April, the 15 & Under Team represented by Obaid Al Heloo, Rashid Al Emadi, and Khaled Al Mutawa will be heading into the championship with high expectations. All three boys have continued to work hard over the summer while aiming to win again on this bigger stage.

As always the Ladies Division will be full of talented teams. For the UAE Team, Reema Al Heloo will be leading the way and with the support of Hamda Al Suwaidi and longtime veteran Dr. Rabab Al Haj. The ladies team will anticipate a strong showing.

The three-day event will have Team and Individual winners in each division. For the Team Category, the final score will consist of the top two gross scores, out of three players each round, totaled after three rounds. The Individual Category will be scored as the best individual gross score from each division.

Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Emirates Golf Federation had this to say about the upcoming event. “This tournament continues to build bridges of understanding and brotherhood to all representing countries of the Arab golf world. The teams have been preparing hard leading up to this event and we expect the players to contend in each division. This is always a good test for our program as we get to see how our talent matches up with the rest of the Arab golfers”.

National Golf Team Travels to Malaysia For The 2017 Nomura Cup

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(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) – On November 9th – 12th, 2017 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Team will travel to Malaysia to compete in the 2017 Nomura Cup at the Sungai Long Golf & Country Club. Representing the UAE will be Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik and Saif Thabet.

Khalid Yousuf

The Nomura Cup, which was hosted last in 2015 at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Links Golf Club, is the Asia Pacific Amateur Golf Team Championship organized by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC). The 2017 event will be hosted at the Sungai Long Golf & Country Club that is a Jack Nicklaus designed course, the first Nicklaus Signature golf course in Malaysia. The course stretches across 160 acres tipping out at 7,019 meters.

Leading the way for the UAE team will be Team Captain, Khalid Yousuf. Yousuf has years of experience when it comes to international events and after having a full summer of practice and three appearances on the MENA Tour, Khalid should be in top condition for the 2017 Nomura Cup.

Also, competing for UAE will be Ahmed Skaik. Skaik has been busy this year with an Individual Gold Medal for the UAE at the most recent GCC Golf Championship, placing in the Top-10 on the Emirates Golf Federation 2016 – 2017 Order of Merit, and competing in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand just two weeks ago. Skaik will use this event to build on an already impressive 2017 golf year.

Rounding out the UAE National Team will be Safi Thabet. Thabet represented the UAE at last year’s Eisenhower Trophy in Mexico where he lead the team in individual scoring. Thabet has been working hard in the gym and on the range in preparation for this event and will look to have another strong showing for the UAE team.

“The entire Senior National Golf Squad has been working hard and pushing each other towards the 2017 Nomura Cup. Since the beginning of summer, the team has utilized the European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI) at Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE) in order to sharpen their skills. With the elite training and newest golf technology at ETPI, we have seen major improvements in our team’s fundamentals and scoring abilities. I think it will come down to our players’ short game and how well they can manage the course. If our men manage these areas well we should have a respectable showing this year,” said Emirates Golf Federation Secretary General and UAE National Team Manager Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

The 2017 Nomura Cup will have two respected divisions with an individual champion and a team champion. To follow the event tune into the Malaysian Golf Association website at www.mgaonline.com.my. You can also follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media for daily updates.

UAE Top Amateurs Primed for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand

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(Upper Hutt Wellington, New Zealand) – On October 25 – 29, 2017 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) top amateur golfers will take the biggest stage in Asian amateur golf. Hosted at the Royal Wellington Golf Club the 2017 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is considered one of the most prestigious events by the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Representing the UAE will be Ahmed Skaik and Mohamed Al Hajeri. Playing out of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club will be Rayhan Thomas.

Ahmed Skaik

Working in conjunction with The Masters and The R&A, the winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will receive an invitation to The Masters and The Open Championship. The Open Championship invite was just recently added this year that only adds to the prestige of this event.

Ahmed Skaik has had a strong 2017 year with an Individual Gold Medal for the UAE National Golf Team at the most recent GCC Golf Championship. He placed in the Top-10 on the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) 2016 – 2017 Order of Merit and had 3 appearances on the MENA Tour. With these accomplishments in Skaik’s bag, he should have plenty of confidence coming into this Championship.

Making the trip with Skaik is up and coming UAE National star Mohamed Al Hajeri. Hajeri has quickly moved his way up the UAE National Team ranks. At the age of 17 years old, he plays both for the 18 & Under Team as well as making appearances with the Senior Team. Hajeri recently competed in the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Junior Amateur and is hoping that this experience will help him make the cut this weekend.

We spoke with Hajeri after his first practice round and he had this to say. “The course is in great condition. With that said, the landing areas on the fairways are tighter than I am used too and the greens are playing very fast. In the afternoon the winds will pick up giving all the players even more of a challenge. I am excited to play and the talent is endless here. I am just going to take it a shot at a time and enjoy this experience”.

Also playing in 2017 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is Dubai based and No. 26 in World Amateur Golf Rankings, Rayhan Thomas. The achievements by Thomas are endless and at the age of 17 years old, he will be one of the favorites to be in the hunt during the final round. Thomas will be playing under his native country India.

With the best players in Asian amateur golf in the field at Royal Wellington Golf Club, just playing in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is a massive accomplishment. The EGF and the entire UAE golf community will be following these men over the upcoming weekend looking for great finishes. To follow this event, go to www.aacgolf.com or follow the EGF on social media for daily updates.

The 2017 – 2018 EGF Order of Merit Schedule Is Set

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United Arab Emirates – Fall is here and the weather is starting to cool down, which only means one thing, golfers around the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are welcoming in the 2017 – 2018 golf season. With the new season here the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit schedule is now set. Providing a tour like experience, the EGF Order of Merit gives the UAE golfer an opportunity to play most UAE golf courses in a competitive atmosphere.

2016 – 2017 EGF Order of Merit Winners at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club

This eight-month long season will take place at 14 different golf clubs (in the Men’s Division) within the UAE. Each event, across the three divisions (Men’s, Ladies’ and Juniors’) will be played under the stroke-play format for at least 18-holes, with men’s events lasting 36-holes. In the Ladies’ and Juniors’ Divisions, there will be a Gross and Net Score winner. If you are looking to be the best amateur golfer in the UAE, have some competitive fun, or just improving your game, this season-long experience is ideal for you.

The top 20 players in each event will receive Order of Merit points from 1st Place winners receiving 30 points to 20th place receiving 4 points. The Order of Merit Leaderboard will be updated after each event and can be viewed on the EGF website.

At the end of last season, the winners of their respected divisions represented the UAE at The 83th Singha Thailand Amateur Open.

The Men’s Division starts the 2017 – 2018 season at The Montgomerie Golf Club on October 13th – 14th, 2017. The Ladies will open the season as well at The Montgomerie Golf Club on October 27st, 2017. The Junior Division will kick off the season in Abu Dhabi at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on October 28nd, 2016. To see the full 2017 – 2018 EGF Order of Merit schedule go to www.egfgolf.com.

With almost a new event taking place weekly, golfers can see the latest updates, event news, and results by following the Emirates Golf Federation on Facebook, Twitter and EGF Website. By the continued support from the UAE golf clubs, the UAE golfing community, and EGF partners, the 2017 – 2018 golf season will be another season full great golf.

UAE Improve Scores at the 2017 APGC Junior Championship

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(Sheung Shui, Hong Kong) – On August 30th – September 1st, 2017 four United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Junior golfers competed in the 2017 Asian Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championship at Hong Kong Golf Club. Two teams of one girl and one boy competed in a 72-hole mixed gender team competition. Representing the UAE was Reema Al Heloo and Mohammed Al Hajeri for team one and Tara Al Marzooqi and Rashid Al Emadi for team two.

Pictured from left to right: Rashid Al Emadi, Mohamed Al Hajeri, EGF Secretary General & UAE National Team Captain – Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Reema Al Heloo, & Tara Al Marzooqi,

Over the 3-day (72-holes) team competition the UAE Teams improved on their scoring from last year’s event while playing along side of 78 of the best Asia Pacific junior golfers which made up 38 teams from 20 different countries.

The first UAE team made up Reema Al Heloo and Mohamed Al Hajeri saw an improvement in scoring from last year. With rounds of 78 – 82 – 172 for a total of 332, the team finished in 34th place. Leading the way for the first team was Mohamed Al Hajeri who had a strong championship while shooting a 77 (5-over-par) in his final round.

“The UAE is thankful to have received an invite to participate in this championship. The APGC and the Hong Kong Golf Club hosted a world-class junior championship. We are happy to see improvement from our players this year and we met some of our goals. The more our young players play in championships like this, the more improvements we will see internationally and regionally,” said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, EGF Secretary General & UAE National Team Captain.

The second UAE team made up of Tara Al Marzooqi and Rashid Al Emadi finished in 38th place.

Winning the event was Japan, followed by Australia in second place and Korea rounding out the top three.

To see the full result and photos from this event please visit the event webpage at www.hkga.com.

UAE National Juniors Hong Kong Bound for APGC Junior Championship

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(Dubai, UAE) – On August 30th – September 1st, 2017 four United Arab Emirates (UAE) Junior National Golf Team members will compete in the 2017 Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championship in Hong Kong. Two girls and two boys will compete in a 72-hole mixed gender team competition hosted at the Hong Kong Golf Club on the New Course. Representing the UAE will be Reema Al Heloo and Tara Al Marzooqi for the girls, and Mohammed Al Hajeri and Rashid Al Emadi for the boys.

Rashid Al Emadi & Mohammed Al Hajeri Practicing at the European Tour Performance Institute at Jumeirah Golf Estates

Over 3-days (72-holes), teams will be made up of one male and one female player from each country. Teams will be grouped with a different country each day except the seeded draw for round 3. The team competition will be all stroke play as the first round will be four-balls, the second round in foursomes, and the third round will be an individual gross score.

Heading into this competition the UAE junior golfers have a little momentum on their side. Coming off a team gold medal at the latest GCC Ladies Golf Championship, Tara and Reema will be looking to have a strong appearance in Hong Kong. Tara won the gold medal in the individual category at this year’s GCC Championship.

For the boys, Rashid Al Emadi also had a solid GCC Golf Championship winning the Team and Individual Gold Medals in the Boys 15 & Under division. A product of the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is expecting this event to add more experience to Rashid’s golf resume. Mohammed Al Hajeri has been a rising star for UAE golf. Starting over four years ago, Al Hajeri has seen improvements in all aspects of his game and will be looking to compete with the top players at the championship.

Traveling with the juniors will be Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, EGF Secretary General, and National Team Captain. “The girls have had a few strong years in our region but this will be a good test for them leading into the 2017 – 2018 season that starts in October. This championship will be a good measurement to see how their game has improved since we’ve competed in this event last year.

“We have had a two-week summer camp in Germany during July and a full month of preparation for this championship and the upcoming season. We have set personal goals for this event and I think we will achieve them,” said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

Follow the EGF on social media and on the EGF website to updates and results from the event.