Start the Countdown to the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships in the United Arab Emirates

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Official Announcement / Countdown to the 2023 WATC

On October 23, 2020, the International Golf Federation (IGF) held its Biennial Meeting in Switzerland over a virtual broadcast. During this meeting the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) a member of the IGF since 2000 was elected to host the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) on the Jumeriah Golf Estates Fire Course. The WATC is conducted by the IGF, where the IGF members (World National Golf Federations) enter one women’s team and one men’s team, made up of three (3) amateur golfers, to compete for the Espirito Santo Trophy (Ladies Championship) and the Eisenhower Trophy (Men’s Championship). While all eyes are on Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the European Tour’s Race to Dubai – DP World Tour Championship, the EGF would like to officially announce the countdown to the 2023 WATC. Starting from the final round of the 2020 DP World Tour Championship, December 13th, 2020, there are 1,036 days until the 2023 WATC starting on October 15th, 2023. The championships will bring worldwide attention to Dubai while generating a significant economic impact on the country. Over 70 different countries with more than 350 competitors will be making the UAE their home for a couple of weeks. Let the countdown begin.

Quote from His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi – Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation.

His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi

“It is an honor to be hosting the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships in the UAE. Being selected by our fellow members of the International Golf Federation is a major responsibility and the Emirates Golf Federation is looking forward to welcoming all delegations, governing bodies, and players to the UAE. Hosting the championships in the UAE and the Middle East shows the development of golf within the region. This is not only an accomplishment for the EGF but also for our brothers and sisters within the Arab Golf Community. Collaborating with the Arab Golf Federation we hope that this championship gives the Middle East the platform to showcase the region’s successes and developments.

We are looking forward to working with the International Golf Federation, the world’s golf federations, and our local partners in order to make the 2023 WATC a victory for all in amateur golf.”

EGF / UAE Golf Development

The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) in collaboration with The R&A has seen golf in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rapidly transform and develop since the founding of the EGF in 1995. From hosting The R&A at sanctioned golf referee schools & seminars to working together on junior golf initiatives, and teaming up on amateur events, The R&A has always had a major influence on the EGF and UAE Golf Development.

Over the past six years, the EGF and UAE’s golf development has hit full stride as the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) is proving to be a success. The NJDP is aimed to identify and develop young UAE National golfers while building good character through the structure of the rules from the game of golf. The EGF works closely with the Ministry of Education in order to reach local schools and physical education (PE) programs to push awareness for the NJDP. By developing a golf PE curriculum in UAE schools and bringing young students to the UAE golf courses the EGF feels that interest in the sport and golf skills can be developed at an early age. Having a successful development program will transfer to a successful UAE National Team.

With golf growing in the UAE and having the opportunity to host events like the World Amateur Team Championships this will provide a stage for greater development in the region. Hard work, proper training, and repeated exposure to international tournaments such as the WATC will be the main ingredients to making successful golfers.

In 2020 the EGF introduced the game of golf to 30 different schools and PE curriculums, utilized 8 different golf clubs across the entire UAE in order to run this program, the EGF saw over 500 students in just over 6 months.

Ladies Golf in the UAE / UAE National Ladies Program

Khowalr School in Ras al Khaimah at Al Hamra Golf Club

Ladies Golf in the UAE continues to be on the top of the Emirates Golf Federation’s agenda and following in line with The R&A’s ‘Women In Golf’ and #FOREeveryone initiatives the EGF is proud of the movements made in the area of the game.

The EGF has found that women’s sports can sometimes take a back seat but the EGF is proud to a be frontrunner in developing ladies golf within the region. In 2019, the EGF hired a full-time Ladies National Team Coach and since then the program has tripled in size. Using the National Junior Development Program as a foundation to introduce the game of golf to young ladies has been successful. This program is introducing the game to the younger female generation while giving some girls the opportunity to play sport for the first time. Unfortunately, the UAE has not had a lady’s team compete for the WATC – Espirito Santo Trophy but by having the opportunity to host the championship the EGF has a new goal to reach. Producing a lady’s team to compete in the 2023 championship will be a great accomplishment. The EGF is optimistic that holding the championship in the Middle East will inspire other Arab nations to make goals within their own lady programs and ‘Women in Golf’ initiatives.

Quote from International Golf Federation Executive Director Antony Scanlon

International Golf Federation Executive Director Antony Scanlon

“The IGF is very excited about the prospect of holding the World Amateur Team Championships in the United Arab Emirates and the potential impact this will have on men’s and women’s golf throughout the Middle East region. We already have seen tremendous strides being made in the introduction and growth of the game through the diligent efforts of the Emirates Golf Federation and the opportunity to further this development by hosting the WATC really resonated with our member organizations.

“The Fire Course at Jumeriah Golf Estates is an outstanding venue that I know the competitors will truly enjoy. We look forward to working with the EGF to deliver a memorable event and experience for the athletes in 2023.”

UAE Golf Events (Professional & Amateur – Past, Present, & Future)

Since 1989 when the UAE hosted the first Dubai Desert Classic, the first European Tour event to be staged outside European borders, the UAE has been a hub for golf events on both the professional and amateur circuits. Being a central location, having some of the best-golfing facilities in the world, and providing first-class hospitality attached to a top tourism market, the UAE is an ideal destination for all golfers alike. These attributes provide the EGF the best possible platform to host the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships. Below is a list of events hosted in the UAE – Past, Present, & Future.

H.E. Shaihk Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi presenting Rickie Fowler the Falcon Trophy at the 2016 Abu Dhbai HSBC Championship

Professional Events

  • DP World Tour Championship “The Race to Dubai” (Jumeirah Golf Estates – Dubai)
  • OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic (Emirates Golf Club – Dubai)
  • Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship presented by EGA (Abu Dhabi Golf Club – Abu Dhabi)
  • OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic (Emirates Golf Club – Dubai)
  • Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open (Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – Abu Dhabi)
  • Golf in Dubai Championship presented by DP World (Jumeirah Golf Estates – Dubai)
  • Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final (Al Hamra Golf Club – Ras Al Khaimah)
  • Sharjah Senior Golf Masters presented by Shurooq (Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club – Sharjah)
  • Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final (Al Badia Golf Club – Dubai)

 

Shaihk Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi addressing the teams at the 2015 Nomura Cup at Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Amateur Events

  • Faldo Series Championship (Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club – Al Ain)
  • EGF Order of Merit Championship (UAE)
  • Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship (Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – Abu Dhabi)
  • 2015 Nomura Cup – Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Team Championship (Yas Links Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi)
  • Pan Arab Golf Championship (2009)
  • Junior & Ladies Pan Arab Golf Championship (2004, 2015)
  • GCC Golf Championship (1996, 1999, 2004, 2012)
  • Junior GCC Golf Championship (2004, 2012)

UAE Players & Achievements (Professional & Amateur)

Regional golf bodies, Arab Golf Federation, and GCC Golf Committee have actively promoted competitive golf by hosting annual golf championships for member countries – 39 editions of Arab Golf Championships and 23 editions of GCC Championships has been the foundation of competition for the Middle East.

Prominent UAE National Golfers that paved the way started with Ismail Sharif, Khalid Al Halyan, Rashid & Mohammed Al Abbar, Mohammed Juma Buamim, Walid Al Attar, Abdulla Obaidulla amongst others. Following these footsteps, the first UAE golfer to turn professional was Ahmed Al Musharrekh. Now leading the way for the UAE National Golf Teams are Khalid Yousuf, Ahmad Skaik, Saif Thabet, for the men’s team, and Reema Al Heloo and Alia Al Emadi for the lady’s team. Khalid Yousuf holds the World Amateur Team Championship record with the most appearances.

In addition to seeing local player development, the Resident UAE amateurs have seen some major success. Leading the way is Sebastian Heisele who is the first product of the UAE to win on the European Tour. Additional pros include Ross Bain, Simon Dunn, and Matt Turner. Matt, a product of EGF’s Junior Development Program (JDP), was the first amateur to make the cut in Dubai Desert Classic (2009). Rayhan Thomas, another JDP prodigy, repeated the feat by making the cut in 2017 and is currently playing college golf at Oklahoma State University. Current young amateurs showing talent include Josh Hills, Toby Bishop, and Arjun Gupta. On the lady’s side, Alison Muirhead played her junior golf in the UAE and is currently in her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour. While Natalii Gupta and Hyeonji Kang are the young amateurs making their names known.

 

Golf in Dubai Championship presented by DP World  on Fire Course – Jumeirah Golf Estates

In December of 2020, the inaugural Golf in Dubai Championship presented by DP World was played on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates with Antoine Rozner claiming his maiden European Tour title by two strokes. This is the same course that the Emirates Golf Federation presented to the International Golf Federation and its members for the 2023 World Amateur Team Championship (WATC) bid. This event builds on the long-term relationship the European Tour has with Dubai and forms part of a double-header with the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. The Golf in Dubai Championship gave the opportunity for the world to see a major event being played on the same course for the 2023 WATC.

Ahmad Skaik on the 1st Tee ready to hit the first shot of the Golf in Dubai Championship presented by DP World with his father Akram Skaik (right) and EGF Vice Chairman Adel Zarouni (left).

During the Golf in Dubai Championship UAE National Team Player, Ahmad Skaik had the opportunity to play against some of the best players on the European Tour. Skaik gained a great deal of experience from this opportunity and will look to continue to develop his game ahead of the 2023 WATC.

What’s next? The Road to the 2023 WATC

 

During the first quarter of 2021, the Emirates Golf Federation will work with local partners and the International Golf Federation in order to form an events committee. This committee will meet regularly over the next 1,036 days in order to create a championship that the world will remember. This is an exciting time for the UAE and Middle East golf. The development of amateur golf has always been a pillar of the Emirates Golf Federation and using the WATC as a springboard to continue that development is an opportunity of a lifetime.

 

EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION SELECTED BY IGF MEMBERSHIP TO HOST 2023 WORLD AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

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LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND (October 22, 2020) – The International Golf Federation has announced that the Emirates Golf Federation will host the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships, as voted upon Tuesday during the IGF biennial meeting, which was held virtually.

Jumeirah Golf Estates – Fire Course

This marks the first time the event, which dates back to 1958, will be held in the Middle East. The Emirates Golf Federation was selected over the Singapore Golf Association after the two were identified as the finalists by the IGF Bid Panel from an initial group of eight National Federation members that had expressed interest in hosting the biennial team event for men and women.

“Both candidates provided exceptionally strong bid proposals, which was duly noted by both the IGF Administrative Committee and the IGF Bid Panel,” said Antony Scanlon, Executive Director of the IGF. “We greatly appreciate the interest and strong case presented by the Singapore Golf Association. At the same time, the Emirates Golf Federation made a compelling case that resonated with our member organizations and we’re very excited to be holding our first World Amateur Team Championships in the Middle East region. We look forward to working with the Emirates Golf Federation to deliver a memorable event and experience for the athletes in 2023.”

The Emirates Golf Federation presented the Greg Norman-designed Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai as the host venue.

“It is an honor for the United Arab Emirates [UAE] and the Emirates Golf Federation to win the election for the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships,” said H.E. Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation. “We would like to thank the International Golf Federation and their team for working tirelessly with us on the bid application. We would also like to thank all of the IGF members for their votes and giving us this opportunity. We look forward to welcoming all of the delegates and athletes into the UAE. Golf in the UAE and region is continuing to grow and this event will further push our vision in golf development. We are excited to work with the IGF and our partners in making this championship a successful reality.

In addition to being the first World Amateur Team Championships held in the Middle East, it also will be the first to be held with a reduced scope of one golf course and a maximum of 36 teams to lessen the cost and complexity of hosting the event, as approved at the IGF’s 2018 biennial meeting. Further, it will be the first to be held on an odd year to avoid same-year conflict with future Summer Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, following a decision by the IGF Administrative Committee to hold every future World Amateur Team Championships beyond 2022 on odd years.

Consequently, the World Amateur Team Championships will be held one time in consecutive years, with the 2022 Championships scheduled for two courses near Paris. Le Golf National, host of the 2018 Ryder Cup Match and future host of the 2024 Olympic golf competition, and Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche, host of 33 editions of the Lancôme Trophy as well as other esteemed international tournaments, will host the men’s and women’s championships.

Dubai will represent the 30th women’s championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy and the 33rd men’s championship for the Eisenhower Trophy, in light of the cancellation of the 2020 World Amateur Team Championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In May, the IGF announced the cancellation of the event, which was scheduled for this month. That decision followed the IGF’s announcement in February that the event, originally to be held in Hong Kong, China, was moving to Singapore due to ongoing social unrest in Hong Kong.

First held in 1958, the World Amateur Team Championships include up to 72 countries competing in 72 holes of stroke play competition. Each country fields two or three players with the two lowest scores counting per round.

UAE National Junior Golf Continues to Grow

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Dubai, UAE) – Over the past weekend the 2020-2021 United Arab Emirates (UAE) golf season officially started as the Emirates Golf Club hosted the first Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit event of the season. On October 17th the Emirates Golf Club played host to the EGC Junior Open where for the first time the UAE National Junior Development Program (NJDP) had 16 players represented. This is the most players that the EGF has participated in any order of merit event since the start of the program.

Leading the way for the UAE Nationals in the Girls Division at the EGC Junior Open was Alia Al Emadi. Alia placed 3rd in the Girls Division after firing an 81, 9-over-par. In the Boys Division, Obaid Al Heloo was the top National finishing tied in 8th place while shooting a 79, 7-over par.

“The NJDP is a working success. The EGF had 13 boys and 3 girls playing in the EGC Junior Open, this is a good example of how the sport of golf is begin developed in the UAE. This also shows how much commitment the EGF has to grassroots golf. These 16 players are just the tip of our program, we have over 35 juniors that now have official handicaps and an additional 100 juniors that are taking weekly lessons across the entire UAE”, said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi the EGF Secretary-General and UAE National Team Manager.

During these unpredictable times with the UAE going through the current pandemic situation, the EGF is working closely with the UAE golf clubs and golf academies in order to provide a safe and health opportunity to continue the development of the NJDP. In every emirate across the UAE the EGF is providing Nationals with a way to practice, take lessons, and play the game of golf.

To find more information about the NJDP go to the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

 

 

Out Of The Rough

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EGF Posts Final Results For 2019 – 2020 Order of Merit Season

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(Dubai, UAE) – On August 27th the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) events committee made the tough decision to cancel the rest of the 2019 – 2020 EGF Order of Merit season due to the ongoing CoVid-19 pandemic. This decision effectively put the 2019 – 2020 season to an end and the final Order of Merit results was calculated and posted based on the events played across all seven divisions.

2018 – 2019 EGF Order of Merit Winners

“It’s always a tough decision to end a season early or cancel events but with the current environment and restrictions around the UAE we feel that this is the right and safe decision for the golfers,” said EGF Secretary-General, Mr. Khalid Mubarak al Shamsi.

The EGF also announced that the end of season Order of Merit Championship will be canceled this year. The EGF Order of Merit Championship is a three-day event for the Men’s and Ladies Divisions, that holds World Amateur Golf Ranking points. The Championship is a two-day event for the Junior Division. The field is composed of the top supporters of Men’s and Ladies’ qualifying rounds and top-placed Juniors from the EGF Order of Merit Season.

The EGF Order of Merit Men’s Division, played in a Gross format, was composed of 12 events, starting on October 18, 2019, and ended on March 7th, 2020. These two-day, 36-hole, events proved to deliver a test for every golfer participating.

With 220.6 points, Dan Byrne was the 2019 – 2020 EGF Order of Merit Men’s Division Champion. Byrne, a young talent who is a member at The Els Club had a very consistent season. Byrne collected 6 top-5 finishes out of the 11 events he played.

Finishing as the Runner-Up in the EGF Order of Merit Men’s Division was UAE National Team Player Ahmad Skaik. Skaik had a great season winning 2 Men’s Opens and represented the UAE while playing in the 2020 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship present by EGA. Skaik finished with 199.5 points. Taking the Third Place position was Dubai Hills Golf Club member Barry Pavic. Pavic played in 10 events collecting 147 points.

In the EGF OOM Ladies’ Division, there are two different scoring categories, Gross and Net. The Net category includes the calculation of the golfers’ handicap. The ladies started the season on November 9, 2019, and finished on March 14, 2020. There was a total of 8 one-day, 18-hole, events throughout the season.

Winning the EGF OOM Ladies Gross and Net Categories was Hyeonji Kang playing out of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Hyeonki had a total of 179 points. Hyeonji played in 7 events while collecting 3 victories.

Natalii Gupta, from the Trump International Golf Club, also won 3 Ladies Opens on her way to becoming the Runner-Up position in the Gross Category with 159 points. Wrapping up the Gross Category, Chantal El Chaib from Abu Dhabi Golf Club won the Third Place prize with 135 points.

The EGF Order of Merit Junior Divisions consists of two divisions, and two categories, for each division. Both, Boys and Girls Junior Divisions had a Gross and Net Category. The season started on October 12, 2019, and ended on March 6, 2020. Each division was played over a total of 10, one-day, 18-hole, tournaments.

Winning the EGF OOM Boys Gross Category with 256.5 points was Viggo Sorensen. Playing out of the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Sorensen played in all 10 events while collecting 4 wins. Viggo was also the winner of the Boy’s Net Division.

Tiaan Labuschagne from Al Ain Equestrian Shoot & Golf Club finished as the Runner-Up in the Boy Gross Catagory with 189.5 points. In the Third Place position from Emirates Golf Club Valdemar Kofod-Olsen finished with 149.8 points.

With the same format in the EGF Order of Merit Girls Divisions, the Girls Gross Winner for the 2019 – 2020 season was Kate Bibby. Bibby’s whose home course is at The Els Club collected 221 points and went on to win 3 Girls Junior Opens out of the 9 events she played.

The Ladies Gross Runner-Up was also the Runner-Up was Sakura Kawakami with playing from Al Ain Equestrian Shoot & Golf Club finished with 182 points. Lara El Chaib finished in Third Place with 152 points in the Gross Category and First Place in the Net Category with 185.5 points.

To find the complete results of the six-month-long Order of Merit season please visit the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

With the 2019 – 2020, UAE golf season officially over the EGF will continue to monitor the CoVid-19 situation and the closure of boarders in the country. The 2020 – 2021 season is expected to start in early October.

Follow the EGF on social media on the EGF Website to get regular updates.

 

Ahmad Skaik Sets Record Score for His First Win at The UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC

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(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – On February 7– 8, 2020 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the 2020 UAE Presidents Cup at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Sponsored by HSBC, the 8th edition of the UAE Presidents Cup saw it’s the largest number of participants since the event first started in 2013. 94 players competed in the main event and 24 players played in the Par 3 Championship. Winning for his first ever Presidents Cup title Ahmad Skaik was the 2020 Champion.

2020 UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC at Yas Links Abu Dhabi Winners

Firing a USE Presidents Cup record Ahmad Skaik shot rounds of 71 and 68 for a championship of 139, five under par. Skaik’s five under (139) is the lowest score recorded since the start of the event in 2013. Skaik has had a great 2019 and 2020 golf season coming into the “UAE Championship” with an appearance at the 2019 APGC Amateur Golf Championship, a Bronze Team and Individual Medal at the 2019 GCC Golf Championship, and competing in his first European Tour event at the 2020 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship presented by EGA.

Ahmad Skaik

“It feels amazing to finally win this event. I have come close in the past two years with a second and third place finishes but being able to close the door this weekend and being the UAE Champion is an amazing honor,” Ahmad said after the event.

“All weekend I was spot on off the tee, it was probably the best I’ve ever hit the driver. My driving off the tee made it easy to hit greens and roll some decent putts. I have been working hard the past few months and it shows that I learned from my mistakes and corrected them for this championship.”

This year’s event saw some good scoring with the top three players shooting level par or better and after round one, the top five players were all just four shots apart.

Skaik went on to add, “this year the competition was strong and it’s good to see so many players competing in this event. The EGF and HSBC have done a great job running this event and continuing to make it grow every year”.

Just two shots back and taking the Runner-Up prize with rounds of 71 – 70 for an event total of 141 was the defending championship, Khalid Yousuf. Khalid and Ahmad were battling it out all weekend and it came down to the last few holes but with birdies on 16 and 17, Ahmad had a two-shot lead heading into the last hole. With both tapping in for par on the challenging 18th hole at Yas Links Ahmad came away with the championship.

Rounding out the top three and coming in Third Place, was Saif Thabet. Saif shot rounds of 73 – 71 for a 144 total. Although Saif didn’t win the event this weekend he had a massive smile after the final round due to his first ever Hole in One on the daunting hole number 17 at Yas Links. In a social media post both Skaik and Saif went on to congratulate each other but Saif couldn’t have said it any better with his comment “my moment but your day.”

Keep with the theme, Mr. Abdulla Al Marzooqi hit his first Hole in One during the final round on the 179-yard hole number eight. A great accomplishment by the Yas Links Member.

The event also presented players with the chance to win a Net Prize. The overall Net Winner for 2020 was EGF Vice Chairman Mr. Adel Zarouni.  Mr. Zarouni went on to fire a net score of 70 – 69 for a championship total of 139 net.

With the newly added Senior Division in 2019, the event saw over 20 different competitors that were over the age of 50 years old competing for a prize. The winner of the Senior Division with gross scores of 81 – 83 for a total of 164 was EGF Board Member Mr. Khalfan Al Kaabi.

Winning the Ladies Division for her first time was Aliya Al Qubaisi. “Today was my day”, Aliya said after posting a final round score of one under (71).  After shooting an 81 for round one Aliya needed a big day two and that’s what she got. For a 153-championship total and her first Presidents Cup win, the EGF is looking forward to seeing more great golf from Aliya.

The Ladies Overall Net winner was Dr. Rabab Al Haj with a net score of 142, 11 strokes better from last year.

In the always growing Junior Division, 15 boys competed for their top prize. Walking away with the 2020 Junior Division title was Sultan Al Jassmy. Sultan shot a championship total of 170 to claim his second UAE Presidents Cup victory.

Winning the Runner-Up prize in the Junior Division was Salem Al Maazmi with a championship total of 173 and taking home the Junior Net prize was Abdulla Kalbat.

In efforts to develop the game of golf within the national community, the 2020 UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC also hosted a Par 3 Championship on the Yas Links challenging Academy Course. This year’s event also offered the UAE Special Olympic Team players to compete in the Par 3 Championship.

22 members of the EGF National Foundation Squad and two players from the UAE Special Olympic Golf Team, between the ages of 5 and 15, competed in a 9-hole, Par 3 Championship. Winning the 10 & Under Girls Division was Latifa Al Jassmy. Winning the 10 & Over Girls Division was Sara Al Hashmi. Winning the 10 & Under Boys Division was Ahmad Al Owais and winning the 10 & Over Boys Division was Al Sumaiba.

“The addition of the Par 3 Championship is important to the EGF and the UAE Presidents Cup as this will showcase the future generation of golfers. This year we also invited the UAE Special Olympic Gol Team to compete in the Par 3 Championship. Golf is one of those sports that it doesn’t matter your ability, age, or gender, everyone has the opportunity to play and compete.  These kids will be the future National Team players and the future players that will keep the game of golf flourishing in the UAE”, said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi the Secretary General of the EGF.

Al Shamsi also added, “On behalf of the Emirates Golf Federation we would like to thank HSBC for their sponsorship and Yas Links for hosting our event”.

HSBC is a globally recognized organization in banking with an event management sector that has a purpose to be where the growth is. With impressive golf events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and worldwide influence on junior golf programs, HSBC was an easy fit for the EGF and this event.

To close the event the award ceremony was graced with HH Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, along with other dignitaries from HSBC, UAE Special Olympic Committee, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and EGF Board of Directors.

To view all photos from this event find the Emirates Golf Federation on Facebook and Social Media. The EGF will be back in action at the next month at the National Monthly Medal on March 28thn, at Dubai Hills Golf Club.

UAE National Golfers Set For The Largest Presidents Cup Sponsored By HSBC

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(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – United Arab Emirates (UAE) Nationals from across the country will be gathering this weekend for the 8th edition of the UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC. Hosted by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) at Yas Links Abu Dhabi this year’s “national championship” will have over 120 players competing across four different divisions, making it the largest field since the event started in 2013.

Winners of the 2019 UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC

EGF is thrilled to work alongside with HSBC for the eighth year. HSBC is a globally recognized organization in banking with an event management sector that has a purpose to be where the growth is. HSBC is certainly on the right track with impressive golf events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA and worldwide influence on junior golf programs.

EGF Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi had this to say about the 2020 UAE Presidents Cup. “It is always great to work with HSBC and their knowledgeable events management staff. With the continued support from HSBC, we are seeing this event grow year after year. Over 20 junior golfers from the National Junior Development Program will compete in the Par 3 Championship, which is a direct reflection of the growth of the sport within the national golf community. Building a strong national golf community is a goal for both the EGF and HSBC, this event is proof that both are reaching that goal”.

The 2019 Championship Khalid Yousuf with EGF Chairman H.E. Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi

The EGF encourages any and all spectators to visit Yas Link Abu Dhabi this weekend and support this fantastic event. You can see the results and follow the event updates on the EGF website and social media pages.

 

Ahmad Skaik Represents UAE at Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship Presented by EGA

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(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – It’s championship time across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) golf world and with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship presented by EGA starting this weekend, January 15th – 18th, 2020, the UAE will have their eyes on National Golf Team Member Ahmad Skaik. Ahmad will be one of three amateur golfers teeing it up this weekend alongside the likes of World Number 1 Brooks Koepka and European Tour favorite Tommy Fleetwood. After battling a fever the past few days, Ahmad made it out for a practice round on Tuesday and is ready for his European Tour debut.

Ahmad Skaik on the tee of Hole 13 during his practice round with Lee Westwood

Ahmad qualified to play in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship presented by EGA after finishing as the top national amateur at the Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship 2019 this past December. Ahmad’s played some solid golf in 2019 with an appearance at the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Amateur Championship in Shanghai, top finishes on the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit, and captured a Bronze Medal at the recent GCC Golf Championship in Oman.

Ahmad had this to say about his game and the upcoming weekend, “I feel that my game is in a good place right now, I know this course well and I feel comfortable. Once I get settled in, I’ll be able to launch my driver and that will make me gain more confidence. I took the last few days off because I was battling a fever but I’m feeling a lot better and ready for this weekend.”

Due to being sick the last few days, Ahmad missed out on playing with World Number 1 Brooks Koepka but Ahmad had the pleasure to play with European Tour veteran Lee Westwood during Tuesday’s practice round.

A. Skaik & L. Westwood

“I was gutted that I couldn’t play with Brooks but I needed to rest and get ready for the weekend. Also playing alongside Lee today [Tuesday] was amazing. Lee has so much experience and knowledge, I really enjoyed my time around the golf course with him.

Being Skaik’s first European Tour event he is looking to take in the experience and learn from the environment around the tournament. Making the cut will always be on his mind but he doesn’t want to put too much pressure on himself.

Ahmed will be paired with Richard Bland and Graeme Storm for the first two rounds starting at 13:25 on Thursday and 09:00 on Friday. Come out and support!

The next two weeks will be busy for the golf scene in the UAE with this weekend’s event followed up by next weekend’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. For more information on the upcoming championships and schedule of events head to the European Tour website at www.europeantour.com.

UAE National Golf Collects 12 Medals at the GCC Golf Championships

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Muscat, Oman – A great way to ring in the New Year as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Teams collect 12 medals at the latest GCC Golf Championship in Oman. On December 28th – 31st 2019 the UAE National Golf program traveled to the Sultanate of Oman to compete in the 2019 GCC Golf Championship.

UAE National Golf Teams at the 2019 GCC Golf Championship

Hosted at the Ghala Golf Club the 2019 GCC Golf Championship was the 23rd edition of the Men’s Championship, the 5th edition of the Ladies Championship, and the 11th edition of the Boys Junior Championship (18 & Under, 15 & Under Divisions, and 13 & Under). The UAE is proud to announce that the National Golf Teams won three Gold Medals, four Silver Medals, and five Bronze Medals in the Team and Individual Categories

In the Men’s Division, the UAE Team finished in Third Place winning the Bronze Medal. Lead Ahmad Skaik who captured the Bronze Medal in the individual category. Skaik shot rounds of 74-77-73-69 for a championship total of 293, one shot behind than the overall winner. Skaik’s final round (69 – 3 under par) was one of the lowest rounds on the final day providing the UAE Team the comeback they needed to reach the podium.

Last year’s individual silver medalist Khalid Yousuf finished in 9th place shooting a tournament total of 301 for another Top 10 finish to add to his resume. Abdulla Al Qubaisi had a consistent weekend placing 10th overall with a final score of 308. Playing in his first international event for the UAE this year Hassan Al Musharrekh finished with a tournament score of 326, just inside the top 20. Bahrain finished with the Team Gold and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia finished with the Silver

The UAE Ladies Team dominated the field as they claimed the Gold Team Medal by 53 shots. Reema Al Heloo was the overall Champion in the Ladies Division with rounds of 80-86-87 for a championship total of 253. Collecting the Bronze Medal was Alia Al Emadi and coming in Fourth Place just one-shot back was Hamda Al Suwaidi.

In the Junior 18 & Under Division the UAE Team won the Silver Medal. Winning the division was Qatar and coming in Third Place Bahrain.

Leading the way and winning the Bronze Medal in the individual category for the UAE Junior 18 & Under Team was Rashid Al Emadi. Rashid has had a busy month playing in the Men’s Pan Arab Championship in Morocco and now competing a few days after in the GCC Golf Championship on the 18 & Under Team. This week Rashid shot rounds of 89-80-73 for a championship total of 252.

Having a strong performance for the 18 & Under Team was Rayyan Al Maazmi. Finishing in Sixth Place with an overall score of 260 Rayyan will be a key individual to watch in this event over the next few years. Rounding out the 18 & Under team was Hami Faqihinejad with a tournament total of 266.

Gold was won in the Junior 15 & Under Division for team UAE. After finishing tied with Oman the UAE had the lowest third-round score which gave the UAE the Team Gold Medal. Obaid Al Heloo was the determining factor for the team with rounds of 77-83 but his final round of 74 was the lowest for the day and jolted the UAE to the top. Obaid finished with a score of 234 over three rounds while collecting the Silver Medal in the individual category.

Having solid performances was Mohammad Ahmed Haj and Abdullah Al Suwaidi as the finished 6th and 7th in the individual category.

Closing out the championship, the UAE 13 & Under Team won the Silver Medal. The Al Jassmey brothers lead the way as they both finished with the same score of 181. Rashid finished in Second Place with the lower final round score and Sultan finished in Third Place for the individual category. Mohammad Skaik was not too far behind just trailing by two strokes and finishing in 5th Place with a total score of 183.

“The course was really in top conditions with fast greens and perfect fairways. The Men’s Team had a very strong comeback and a great final round from Ahmad Skaik after a tough start. With Yousuf’s even-par and Al Qubaisi 4-over we gained 15 shots on the last day,” said Samir Wallani the UAE National Team Coach.

“In each division we had some kind of comeback besides the Ladies who just dominated since the first round. It just goes to show that you need to stay positive and never quit and that’s what we did. I am so proud of these teams they showed heart and teamwork,” Coach Samir added.

Moving forward the teams will focus on the Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit events and training camps that will be coming up. The UAE Presidents Cup will be coming up in February and all players will be looking to be crowned the next UAE National Champion.

Continue to follow the UAE National Teams on the Emirates Golf Federation social media pages and the Federation website at www.egfgolf.com.

Young Al Emadi Makes His Maiden Debut At The 2019 Men’s Pan Arab Championship

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UAE National Men’s Golf Team Set For Pan Arab Championship In Morocco

(Marrakesh, Morocco) – Starting December 12th, 2019 the United Arab Emirates National Men’s Golf Team will be competing in the 39th Arab Golf Championship in Marrakesh, Morocco. Hosted by the Arab Golf Federation at Amelkis Golf Club, over 52 players from more than 10 different countries will compete at this four-day championship. Making his men’s team debut is 17-year-old Rashid Al Emadi. Joining Rashid and representing the UAE Team will Abdulla Al Musharrekh, Daood Jaffal, and Hassan Al Musharrekh.

Rashid Al Emadi

“Giving our younger generation the opportunity to gain some experience at these events is important for the development of our national team program. Rashid has proven himself in past events that he can compete with the best players in the region and this weekend will be a great experience for him”, said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, EGF National Team Manager.

Rashid Al Emadi who has been on the Junior National Team since he was 14 years old and a product of the UAE National Junior Development Program has played in a number of international junior events including the 2019 Asian Pacific Junior Amateur Championship in Japan.

“I am just looking to play my golf this weekend. It’s always an honor to represent my country and I am so happy now that I can do it on one of the biggest stages in golf for this region,” said Al Emadi.

Representing the UAE along with Rashid will be Daood Jaffal, Abdalla Al Musharrekh, and Hassan Al Musharrekh.

Jaffal was on the Gold winning team at the last GCC Golf Championship in Oman and the Al Musharrekh brothers bring a wealth of international tournament experience to the squad.

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.

Yearly General Meeting at the 2019 Pan Arab Championship

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).

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