UAE National Golf Team Test Drives Trump International

(Dubai, UAE) – Trump International Golf Club, Dubai – the city’s first new golf course in seven years – is set to open its doors in early February. Ahead of its grand unveil, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Team put the course’s undulating fairways to the test.

UAE National Squad with Coaches at Trump International Golf Club, Dubai

UAE National Squad with Coaches at Trump International Golf Club, Dubai

The nation’s top senior players were joined by coaching staff and board members from the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) as they received an exclusive preview of Trump International this week. Designed by renowned golf course architect, Gil Hanse, the 18-hole championship standard course is located with AKOYA by Damac, on the doorstep of Arabian Ranches and Studio City.

General Manager, Andrew Whitelaw said: “We were delighted to welcome the UAE national team to our golf course; we believe that it’s vitally important to support the nation’s exciting sporting talent.”

The EGF was full of praise for Trump International Golf Club, Dubai, offering glowing feedback on the course and facilities at the city’s newest course.

Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, EGF Secretary General, said: “On behalf of the Emirates Golf Federation and the UAE National Team we would like to thank Trump International Golf Club, Dubai for hosting the National Squad and EGF Board Members.

“The course and golf facilities exceed expectations and will perfectly fit with the quality of golf clubs within the UAE. With forgiving fairways and tough undulating greens, this golf course will be a great test for any golfer. The EGF will be looking forward to working with Trump International Golf Club, Dubai and will be excited to welcome their new members into the UAE golf community.”

Trump International Golf Club, Dubai brings a style of golf inspired by the game’s homeland, blended with culinary excellence, the Trump Golf white-gloved service and exceptional leisure facilities to create aa premier golfing destination.

With its crumpled fairways, swathes of native grasses, generous open spaces and flowing teeing grounds, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai exhibits many of the same characteristics as an ancient Scottish links.

 

Drafted by: Trump International Golf Club, Dubai

Faisal Al Sayegh Wins First UAE National Monthly Medal of the 2016 – 2017 Season; Yousuf Collects Best Gross

(Dubai, UAE) – On January 14, 2017, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the first UAE National Monthly Medal of the 2016 – 2017 season at Jebel Ali Golf Resort. Over 30 Local Emiratis gathered for a day of golf and socializing at one of the best 9-hole golf courses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Winning the overall Stableford prize was Faisal Al Sayegh, while Khalid Yousuf collected the Best Gross prize.

Winners of the January 2017 UAE National Monthly Medal at Jebel Ali Golf Resort

Winners of the January 2017 UAE National Monthly Medal at Jebel Ali Golf Resort

The stunning Jebel Ali Golf Resort is a 9-hole, Par 36, Championship Course, designed by Peter Harradine. With the newly redesigned greens and windy conditions, Jebel Ali was a true test for the field.

The UAE National Monthly Medals are run on a Stableford format. With an impressive score in tough conditions, Faisal Al Sayegh was the clear winner with 36 points.

Finishing as the Runner-Up with 34 points was Saleh Al Ameri. Rounding off the Top-3 and coming in 3rd Place was Jalal Al Abassi with 33 points.

Winning the Best Gross prize was National Team Player, Khalid Yousuf. Yousuf shot a round of 4-over-par 76.

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 was Mohamed Al Hajeri with 29 Stableford points. Sultan Al Ali won the Division-B prize with 32 Stableford points.

The event hosted a Junior Division with 5 competitors. Winning the top prize in the Junior Division was Reema Al Heloo with 35 points. Capturing The Runner-Up prize after a count back was Alia Al Emadi with 31 points. Also with 31 points and placing third was Rashid Al Emadi

During the event, there were a number of On Course Challenges up for grabs. Taking home the Adult Longest Drive Award was Hamda Al Suwaidi. Winning the Adult Nearest to the Pin Award was Saleh Al Ameri. Wrapping up the On Course Challenges, Obaid Al Heloo won the Junior Longest Drive Award.

Next month the EGF will host the UAE Presidents Cup on February 10th – 11th at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. To stay up to date with the EGF and the UAE National Golf Teams follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media and at www.egfgolf.com.

EGF Awarded Youth Development Initiative of the Year at 2016 MEGAs; Reema Al Heloo Named National Player of the Year

(Dubai, UAE) – On December 14, 2016, Sport360 hosted the Middle East Golf Awards (MEGAs) at the stunning One and Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. As key stakeholders in Middle East golf gathered for this annual event the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Player, Reema Al Heloo were among significant winners of the evening.

Rafa Cabrera-Bello with students and Dr. Abdulla Al Karam (KHDA), Adel Zarouni (EGF) Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi (EGF), Nick Tarratt (European Tour), EGF Coaches, and Golf DXB Coaches

Rafa Cabrera-Bello with students and Dr. Abdulla Al Karam (KHDA), Adel Zarouni (EGF) Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi (EGF), Nick Tarratt (European Tour), EGF Coaches, and Golf DXB Coaches

The EGF received the Youth Development Initiative of the Year for 2016 after producing the very successful EGF Arabic Schools Golf Initiative supported by DP World. The EGF teamed up with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), European Tour, and Golf DXB in order to activate “golf tasters” in high percentage National Arabic Schools with a goal to introduce the game of golf to students and the physical education curriculum. After introducing the game to 6 schools, students were invited to the DP World Tour Championship (DPWTC) to experience a Professional Golf Event.

During the week at Sheikh Rashid School for Boys the EGF and the European Tour invited Professional Golfer Rafa Cabrera-Bello to participate in the initiative. This gave the students and teachers the opportunity to interact with a pro golfer while learning the game.

Reema Al Heloo

Reema Al Heloo

Also winning an award on the spectator night was UAE National Team Player Reema Al Heloo. Reema was awarded the National Player of the Year for her accomplishments throughout the 2015 – 2016 season. Reema won the Individual and Team Gold Medal at the 2016 GCC Golf Championship in Bahrain. She also placed Top 10 in the 2015 – 2016 EGF Order of Merit in the Junior Net Division and 12th Place in the Junior Gross Division.

At the age of 14 years old, Reema is a product of the EGF National Junior Development Program that has grown significantly over the past 24 months.

“Reema is the future of UAE Women’s Golf and the UAE National Team. She has worked very hard and will continue to get better. She is a great example of the process and pathway that the EGF has implemented for young golfers. The EGF is proud of her achievement and is looking forward to see future success out of Reema”, said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, EGF Secretary General.

To find more information on the EGF National Junior Development Program and the UAE National Team visit the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com and follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media for recent updates.

DESC Takes Round 2 of the Inter-Schools League

(Dubai, UAE) – Monday, 5th December 2016 saw Round 2 of the 2016 – 2017 Inter-Schools Golf League. This highly anticipated event in the school golfing calendar is generously sponsored by Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and hosted by The Track, Meydan. 42 students from 8 Dubai schools plus an EGF team, consisting of promising young national players, competed over 9 holes in this, the second of 4 rounds.

Team DESC

Team DESC

Now in its 8th year, the Inter-Schools Golf League allows students between the ages of 11-18 the opportunity to play competitive golf in a friendly atmosphere, learning sportsmanship together with the fundamentals of the golf game.

Each school can enter 6 players, with the 4 best Stableford scores to count towards the team score. It was very high scoring this round with Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) coming out on top again for the second month in a row with 74 points, ahead of Jumeirah College (JC) in 2nd place on 70 points, and Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) taking 3rd place on 69 points.

Besides the Team Stableford Leaderboard, all students were playing in two other categories, the Best Individual Gross Score and the Best Individual Stableford Score. A superb round of 34 (-2) saw Zubhair Firdaus of Greenfields Community School (GCS) take the Best Gross Score of the night, 2 shots ahead of Owen Clarke (JESS) on 36, with John Burki of Bradenton Preparatory Academy (BPA) just one shot behind on 37.

Reema Al Heloo (EGF), won Best Individual Stableford Score with a superb score of 22pts beating Sam Mulane (DESC) on a countback who also shot 22pts. John Burki (BPA) came in third with 21pts.

After two rounds, DESC lead the table with a total of 136pts, followed by JESS and JC both on 129pts. Round 3 is scheduled for Monday 6th February at The Track, Meydan.

*Drafted by Inter-Schools Golf League organizers 

M. Skaik, M. Al Hajeri, & A. Al Emadi All Victorious at the 2016 EGF National Day Medal

(Dubai, UAE) – In honour of the 45th United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Day the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) opened the 2016 – 2017 golf season by hosting the 2016 EGF National Day Medal at The Track – Meydan on Saturday, December 3, 2016.

Winners of the 2016 National Day Medal at The Track – Meydan

Winners of the 2016 National Day Medal at The Track – Meydan

This first National EGF event of 2016 – 2017 season saw some great scores. Coming out on top and winning the event with a Stableford Score of 38 points was Mahmood Skaik.

The Runner-Up was Humaid Al Mazroua with 36 points. Rounding out the top three coming in Third Place was Rashid Al Jarwan with a total of 34 Stableford points.

The Best Gross Award went to Mohammed Al Hajeri who shot a 4-over-par, 76. Mohammed had a solid round shooting a 39 front nine a 37 back nine.

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 was Sultan Al Ali with 30 Stableford Points. Shawqi Sajwani won the Division-B prize with 34 Stableford Points.

Alia Al Emadi

Alia Al Emadi

The event hosted a Junior Division with 6 competitors. Winning her first event was Alia Al Emadi with 39 Stableford points. The Runner-Up was the brother of Alia, Rashid Al Emadi with 38 points and the Third Place prize went to Reema Al Heloo with 32 points.

During the event there were a number of On Course Challenges up for grabs. Taking home the Adult Longest Drive Award was Mohammed Al Hajeri. Winning the Adult Nearest to the Pin Award was Abdulla Al Marzooqi. The winner of the Junior Longest Drive Award was Alia Al Emadi. Wrapping up the On Course Challenges, Reema Al Heloo won the Junior Nearest to the Pin Award.

At the award presentation, the EGF took time out to recognize the 45th UAE National Day. Being that the EGF is under the guidance of the Ministry of General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, this event was a great opportunity to celebrate this holiday.

The first UAE National Monthly Medal of the 2016 – 2017 golf season will take place on December 31st at Al Zorah Golf Club. To stay up to date EGF and the UAE National Golf Teams follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media and at www.egfgolf.com.

EGF Equip National Foundation Squad

(Dubai, UAE) – On November 27, 2016 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) equipped 11 young Nationals with Golphin for Kids golf clubs, the latest award-winning junior golf clubs to hit the market. The National Foundation Squad was established less than 6 months ago and the EGF has seen a great deal of growth from the players not only in interest but fundamental skills as well.

EGF National Foundation Squad power by Golf DXB Receives New Golphin Kids’ Golf Clubs

EGF National Foundation Squad power by Golf DXB Receives New Golphin for Kids Golf Clubs

Golphin for Kids’ slogan is Inspiring Next Golf’s Generation, which falls in place with the National Junior Development Program that the EGF has implanted over the past 2 years. While working with the European Tour, KHDA, UAE Golf Clubs, and other key stakeholders the EGF has been able to introduce the game of golf to thousands of Emeriti’s in the United Arab Emirates.

The 11 kids on the National Foundation Squad have gone through a year-and-a-half long process that started in Physical Education classes within the Dubai school system. Now these kids (and over 50 others) are receiving group and private lesson 3 to 4 times a week powered by Golf DXB at The Track, Meydan.

Testing Out the New Clubs

Testing Out the New Clubs

“The process of creating interest and young golfers will take time but we have seen a vast improvement of acceptance from the young generation and a tremendous amount of support from local and international partners. By providing these kids with the right equipment we hope to give the kids confidence and enjoyment that will make the game more desirable. By making it on the National Foundation Squad we want to show a sense of accomplishment and a responsible to continue training” said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, EGF Secretary General.

Golphin for Kids is based out of Scotland, the home of golf, and particularly designs golf clubs for beginners between the ages of 3 to 12. The revolutionary club head is designed to get the ball off the ground making the game more fun and enjoyable. The clubs are also lighter creating a faster swing a making it easier for beginner golfers. To find more information about Golphin for Kids email dg@dggolfdubai.com.

Over the next 3 to 6 months the EGF along with Golf DXB will continue to evaluate and monitor these kids while preparing them for tournament golf. To see updates on these kids and other EGF programs be sure to follow the EGF on social media and the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

Saudi Arabia Wins the 36th Arab Golf Championship in Oman; UAE Place 6th

(Muscat, Oman) – On November 9 – 12, 2016 the Oman Golf Committee hosted the 36th Arab Golf Championship in Muscat, Oman at the Ghala Golf Club. Winning the Gold Medal for 2016 was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) finished in 6th Place.

Team UAE and Team Saudi Arabia at the Championship Opening Ceremony

Team UAE and Team Saudi Arabia at the Championship Opening Ceremony

This is the first time that the Sultanate of Oman is hosting the Arab Golf Championship. Staged annually, rotating amongst the members of the Arab Golf Federation, this 72-hole stroke play championship will see the best golfers in the Arab world.

Representing the UAE was Rashid Hamood, Khalid Yousuf, Saif Thabet, and Sohail Al Marzouqi. The UAE finished in 6th Place with a team score of 937.

Rashid Hamood

Rashid Hamood

Leading the way for Team UAE was Rashid Hamood. Hamood shot rounds of 75-78-73-81 for a championship total of 307. Hamood finished in 9th Place in the Individual Category.

Khalid Yousuf finished Tied for 10th Place in the Individual Category with rounds of 74-73-79-83 for a total of 309.

Finishing in 24th Place in the Individual Category shooting rounds of 80-81-81-70 for a total of 321 was Saif Thabet.

Rounding off Team UAE was Sohail Al Marzouqi coming in 40th Place in the Individual Category with rounds of 91-85-81-83 for a total of 340.

The 36th Arab Golf Championship hosted 11 different countries with over 60 players representing their home nations.

Winning the Gold Medal in the Team and Individual Categories was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia had a team score of 887. Leading the way for Saudi Arabia was Khalid Attieh with rounds of 74-74-74-69 for a championship total of 291.

Coming is Second Place in the Team Category was Morocco with a team score 903. Finishing in Third Place was Qatar with a team score of 916.

Over the next two months the UAE National Golf Team will be playing in the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit as well as training for the upcoming GGC Golf Championships that will take place early 2017.

Follow the EGF on social media and on the EGF website to receive updates and news on UAE Golf.

UAE National Golf Team Primed for the 2016 Arab Golf Championship

(Dubai, UAE) – The United Arab Emirate (UAE) National Golf Team is ready to compete in the 36th Arab Golf Championship at the Sultanate of Oman. The Championship will take place on November 9-12, 2016 on the Ghala Golf Course.

Rashid Hamood, Khalid Yousuf, Adel Zarouni, Ahmad Skaik & Sohail Al Marzouqi

Rashid Hamood, Khalid Yousuf, Adel Zarouni, Ahmad Skaik & Sohail Al Marzouqi

This is the first time that the Sultanate of Oman is hosting the Arab Golf Championship. Staged annually, rotating amongst the members of the Arab Golf Federation, this 72-hole stroke play championship will see the best golfers in the Arab world.

Representing the UAE in the 36th Arab Golf Championship will be Khalid Yousuf, Saif Thabet, Ahmed Skaik, Rashid Hamood, and Sohail Al Marzouqi.

The UAE National Team has had a busy three months. With a strong practice schedule and traveling to play in the World Amateur Team Championship – Eisenhower Trophy, the National Team will be primed to compete for a top spot.

The UAE Team will be accompanied by, HE Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi (Emirates Golf Federation Chairman), Adel Zarouni (Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman), Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi (Emirates Golf Federation Secretary General), and Greg Holmes (UAE National Team Coach and PGA Professional).

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

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

EGF Website: www.egfgolf.com

EGF Facebook: Emirates Golf Federation

EGF Twitter: @EGFuaegolf

EGF Instagram: emiratesgolffederation

EGF LinkedIn: Emirates Golf Federation (EGF)

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Morocco Shines at the 2016 Junior & Ladies Arab Golf Championship; UAE Ladies Finish 4th

(Cairo, Egypt) – On October 20th – 22nd, 2016 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Junior and Ladies National Golf Teams competed in 2016 Junior & Ladies Arab Golf Championship at Palm Hills Golf Course. Finishing with Gold Medals in two out of the three represented divisions was Team Morocco. The UAE Ladies Team finished in Fourth Place.

The Ladies Division Winners at the 2016 Junior & Ladies Arab Golf Championship

The Ladies Division Winners at the 2016 Junior & Ladies Arab Golf Championship

The 17th edition of Junior Arab Golf Championship and the 8th edition of Ladies Arab Golf Championship, under the Arab Golf Federation, hosted 8 different countries with over 50 players.

Morocco won Gold in both the 15 & Under and Ladies Divisions and Silver in the 18 & Under Division. Tunisia won the Gold in the 18 & Under Division and Silver in the 15 & Under and Ladies Divisions. The closest out come came in the 15 & Under Division where Morocco won by two strokes.

Reema Al Heloo

Reema Al Heloo

Having the strongest finish for UAE was the UAE Ladies Team. Made up of Reema Al Heloo, Hamada Al Suwaidi, and Tara Al Marzooqi the Ladies finished in Fourth Place with a team score of 521. Leading the way in the Individual Category for the UAE Ladies was Reema Al Heloo with rounds of 87-84-89 for an event total of 260.

The UAE 18 & Under Team was made up of Mohamed Al Hajeri, Saeed Al Balooshi, and Mohammed Abdulla Saeed. The boys finished in Seventh Placed in the Team Category with a score of 523. Mohamed Al Hajeri led the way with rounds of 87-82-87 for a total of 256.

The UAE 15 & Under Team was made up of Rashid Al Emadi, Obaid Al Heloo, and Khalid Al Mutawa. The team placed seventh with a score of 564. Top player for the UAE in the 15 & Under Division was Rashid Al Emadi with rounds of 95-89-89 for a total of 273.

In the Individual Categories, Suad Al Sharif of Saudi Arabia won the Gold in the 18 & Under Division with rounds of 79-76-68 for a championship total of 223. Shergo Kurdi of Jordan won the Gold in the 15 & Under with scores of 74-70-75 for a 219 total and in the Ladies Division, Belmati Lina of Morocco won the Gold with rounds of 73-69-78 for a total of 220.

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 Junior and Ladies Golf Teams Ready for Arab Golf Championship in Egypt

(Dubai, UAE) – On October 20 – 22, 2016 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Junior and Ladies National Golf Teams will travel to Cairo, Egypt to compete in the 2016 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 Palm Hills Golf Course.

Last year’s UAE Teams at the 2015 Junior & Ladies Arab golf Championship in Al Ain

Last year’s UAE Teams at the 2015 Junior & Ladies Arab golf Championship in Al Ain

 

This is the 17th edition of the Junior Arab Golf Championship and the 8th 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 Palm Hills Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus designed championship course that will test these skilled young amateur golfers.

For the Boys Divisions, representing the UAE and playing on the 18 & Under team will be Mohamed Al Hajeri, Mohamed Saeed Abdulla, and Saeed Al Balooshi. The 15 & Under Team will be comprised of Obaid Al Heloo, Khaled Al Mutawa, and Rashid Al Emadi.

In the Ladies Division Tara Al Marzooqi, Reema Al Heloo, and Hamda Al Suwaidi will be playing for the UAE.

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.

The Championship will kick off Wednesday night, October 19th, with an Opening Ceremony that will welcome each team and country.

Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Emirates Golf Federation had this to say about the up-coming event. “This tournament continues to build bridges of understanding and brotherhood to all representing countries of the Arab golf world. We are delighted to compete in this year’s event after successfully hosting it last year in Al Ain. The UAE teams will be looking to compete in each division and we are excited to see how our talented matches up with the rest of the Arab golfers”.