UAE Finishes Fourth at the 38th Pan Arab Golf Championship

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(La Marsa, Tunisia) – On October 18th – 21st 2018 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Team competed in the 38th Arab Golf Championship in La Marsa, Tunisia. After four days of battling the wind and challenging weather conditions, the UAE National Golf Team finished in Fourth Place out of 12 different countries. This is UAE’s best finish since 2011.

National Team Coach Samir Wallani, Mohamed Adel Al Hajeri, Saif Thabet, Khalid Yousuf and Ahmed Skaik

Hosted by the Arab Golf Federation at The Residence Tunis, the UAE Team was made up of Ahmed Skaik, Khalid Yousuf, Mohamed Adel Al Hajeri and Saif Thabet.

Leading the way for the UAE was Ahmed Skaik, finishing in Fifth Place in the Individual Category. Skaik shot rounds of 71-72-75-67 for a championship total of 285, 3-under-par. Skaik was just three shots behind the third places finishers and 11 shots back from the Individual Golf Medalist, Souadi Ayoub from Morocco.

Coming in 12th Place in the Individual Category was Khalid Yousuf, with three consecutive rounds of 74 and a final round of 71 for a championship total 293. Finishing in 23rd and 24th Place in the Individual Category was Mohamed Adel Al Hajeri and Saif Thabet. Al Hajeri shot a total of 302 and Thabet had a total of 304.

“We are very proud of our team’s accomplishments over this weekend. To have our best finish in seven years displays that our teams’ are working hard and pushing each other to be their best. The team showed strength and unity this weekend, after a full two months of traveling while playing in golf tournaments all over the world and to finish as strong as we did demonstrates the desire our team has for this game,” said Emirates Golf Federation Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

The Championship was 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.

Winning the Gold Medal for the 38th Pan Arab Golf Championship was Team Morocco. Morocco shot for a combined score of 823, an impressive 41-under-par. Team Qatar took the Silver Medal and host country Tunisia finished with the Bronze.

During the weekend 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), Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi (Emirates Golf Federation Secretary General), and Samir Wallian (National Team Coach).

Stay connected with the Emirates Golf Federation on their website and social media to get the latest updates and news on the regions’ golf.

EGF Website: www.egfgolf.com

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EGF Twitter: @EGFuaegolf

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EGF LinkedIn: Emirates Golf Federation (EGF)

UAE National Golf Team in Full Swing for the 2018 Arab Golf Championship in Tunisia

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(La Marsa, Tunisia) – This coming weekend, October 18th – 21st 2018 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Team will compete in the 38th Arab Golf Championship in La Marsa, Tunisia. Hosted by the Arab Golf Federation at The Residence Tunis, over 52 players from more than 12 different countries will compete at this four-day championship. Representing the UAE Team will Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik, Saif Thabet, and Mohamed Adel Al Hajeri.

Saif Thabet, National Team Coach Samir Wallani, and Khalid Yousuf look on as Ahmed Skaik hits an iron shot at The Residence Tunis Golf Course during the first practice round.

After two months of heavy tournament golf, the UAE National Golf Team will switch their focus to the highly anticipated Arab Golf Championship. All four players have had a busy schedule since the end of August playing in events such as the World Amateur Team Championship (Eisenhower Trophy) in Ireland, Asian Amateur Championship in Singapure, and the Junior Olympic Games in Argentina.

“The team and players are in full swing after two and half months of good golf. We feel that we have the ability to compete in both of the Team and Individual Categories”, said Emirates Golf Federation Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the 18-hole Residence Tunis Golf Course has a challenging links feel that will test all players’ games this weekend.

“The course is not playing very long, but with the number of water hazards and winds expected to pick up during the weekend, the playing conditions will be a good test for all of the players. As a team, we are hitting the ball well and if we stick to our game plan we should have a good finish,” said National Team Captain Khalid Yousuf

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.

EGF Order of Merit Championship Now A World Amateur Golf Ranking Event

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United Arab Emirates – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is delighted to announce that the 2019 EGF Order of Merit Championship will hold World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status. The WAGR comprises both the men’s and women’s elite amateur golf rankings that is offered by the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The WAGR encourages and supports the international development of competitive golf.

2017 – 2018 Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit Winners

Set for the April 18th – 20th 2019 the EGF Order of Merit Championship will now provide amateur golfers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) an opportunity to be globally ranked amongst the elite amateur golfers in the world. The top players in the WAGR will be invited to play in the most prestigious amateur golf events in the world such as The Amateur Open, The US Amateur Open, and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. The venue of the 2019 EGF Order of Merit Championship has not been finalized.

“Hosting a World Amateur Golf Ranking event is a great achievement for the Emirates Golf Federation and we feel that by attaching the WAGR points to the Order of Merit Championship, UAE amateur golf will participate and compete more during the EGF Order of Merit season,” said EGF Vice Chairman Adel Zarouni.

Qualifiers for the 2019 EGF Order of Merit Championship will consist of the top 30 finishers from both the Ladies (Gross) Division and Men’s Division from the 2018 – 2019 EGF Order of Merit season.

The seven-month long Order of Merit season will take place at 14 different golf clubs, in the Men’s Division, and 9 golf clubs in the Ladies Division. The Order of Merit will still have a Junior Division but will not hold junior WAGR points at the EGF Order of Merit Championship.

Each Order of Merit season 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 Junior Divisions, there will be a Gross and Net Score winner for the overall season finishers.

“With the number of talented amateur golfers that currently reside in the UAE we are happy to provide this opportunity to our members. There is no doubt that this WAGR event will in encourage and keep developing the Order of Merit season but also golf as a whole in the UAE,” Mr. Zarouni added.

The Men’s Division starts the 2018 – 2019 season at The Montgomerie Golf Club on October 19th – 20th, 2018. The Ladies will open the season at the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club on November 10th, 2018. The Junior Division will kick off the season in Abu Dhabi at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on October 27th, 2018. To see the full 2018 – 2019 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 R&A, USGA, UAE golf clubs, and the UAE golfing community these new WAGR points will surely give 2018 – 2019 golf season another level of excitement.

Skaik & Al Musharrekh Represent UAE at the 2018 AAC in Singapore

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Written By: Joy Chakravarty

SINGAPORE, Oct 3: Ahmed Skaik and Abdullah Al Musharrekh will be flying the UAE flag in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), the premier amateur tournament of the region when play begins at Sentosa Golf Club from Thursday.

Abdullah Al Musharrekh & Ahmed Skaik at the 2018 AAC in Singapore

Both Skaik and Musharrekh are making a comeback of sorts to the game, but are confident of putting on a good show in a tournament which offers a dream reward to the champion – an invitation to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club and a place in The 148th Open at Royal Portrush in 2019, provided he retains his amateur status.

Skaik finished his final year in International Studies from the American University of Dubai, while Musharrekh has recently returned from South America, where he was working with Mubadala for the past four years.

This is Skaik’s second AAC appearance after missing the cut last year in Wellington.

“It’s not been a very good season for me as the focus was more on studies. But I am now done and have started concentrating on my golf again,” said the 21-year-old, who has plans of turning professional in a few years and aim for an Olympic spot in 2024.

“This is the biggest event we play all year and I have tried to prepare with it in mind. I have a few important events after this like the Pan Arab Games, so I am hoping all my hard work will pay off, starting this week.”

Abdullah played in the inaugural AAC in 2009 and is making his second appearance in the event as well. But he is not short of motivation as his younger brother, Ahmed, holds the record of best finish by a UAE golfer in the tournament (T24 at even par), which also came in Singapore when the tournament was last played here in 2011.

“Ahmed played very well that year. He was very consistent and shot two sub-par rounds. That was one of the proudest moments for UAE golf. And yes, that gives me motivation,” said Abdullah.

“I was busy with my career with Mubadala and then did my national service. Golf wasn’t a priority for almost 4-5 years. But I am now back in the UAE and I want to be part of the national team on a regular basis. I am a very competitive person, so I know golf is not going to be a simple leisure sport for me.”

Skaik admitted winning the tournament would be difficult, but he was confident that they would both make it to the weekend.

“The level here is pretty high. And as I said, I haven’t been playing regularly earlier in the year. But I know that if I play to my potential, I can post a good result this week,” he added.

The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, which is now one of the five ‘Elite’ events on the World Amateur Golf Ranking, is organized by The Masters and the R&A in association with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation. It is supported by six Proud Partners – AT&T, 3M, Mercedes-Benz, Samsung, Delta and UPS – and two Scoring Partners, Rolex, and IBM.

UAE’s Top National Golfers Dublin Bound For The World Amateur Team Championship

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(Dubai, UAE) – On September 5th – 8th, 2018 the top three United Arab Emirates (UAE) National amateur golfers will be competing in the World Amateur Team Championship (WATC) in Dublin, Ireland. The UAE Team will be composed of Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skiak, and Saif Thabet.

UAE National Team Member Ahmed Skaik

The WATC or also known as the Eisenhower Trophy is conducted by the International Golf Federation (IGF) and is the most prestigious team championship in amateur golf. The event is held every two years and brings together golfers from all geographical zones, which include the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe – Africa. The format is simple, the best two scores from teams of two or three players are calculated every 18 holes of stroke play. After four rounds or 72-holes, the team with the best score (or the lowest amount of stokes) are the winners.

The 2018 WATC will take place at Carton House on the O’Meara and Montgomerie designed courses that are considered some of the best courses in Ireland. Over the past six months, the UAE National Golf Team has been preparing for the WATC by utilizing the practice facilities at the European Tour Performance Institute at Jumeirah Golf Estates while hosting a number of team qualifiers in order to pick the top players to represent the UAE.

National Team Captain Khalid Yousuf had this to say about the WATC. “This event not only allows me but the rest of the UAE National golf program the opportunity to compete at the highest level against some the games future stars”.

The WATC has seen players to the liking of Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Ricky Fowler, Luke Donald and many more.

“This gives our team the chance to meet other golfers from around the world while making connections with other federations that we can use to help develop our program in the UAE”, Yousuf added.

Yousuf is playing in his record-setting 7th WATC. He played in his first WATC in 2004 in Puerto Rico when he was 14 years old.

The UAE will have their work cut out for them with top nations such as the United States of America, Australia, Great Britain, and Japan in the field. With the iconic event making its way back to Ireland for the first time since being played at St. Andrews in 1958 it will be a true test for any nation.

To follow the action and to get updates results head to the IGF website at www.igfgolf.org

Mohamed Adel Al Hajeri & Reema Al Heloo Represents UAE Golf At The 2018 Asian Games

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(Dubai, UAE) – Starting August 23rd, Mohamed Adel Al Hajeri and Reema Al Heloo will be competing in the 2018 Asian Games representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia golf at the 2018 Asian Games will be held at the Pondok Indah Golf Course from the 23rd – 26th of August.

Mohamed Adel Al Hajeri and Reema Al Heloo at the Asian Pacific Golf Confederation Junior Championships

Both Mohamed and Reema will be playing in the Individual Category during the event, which will be comprised of some of the best amateur golfers in the Asian region and over 20 inspiring professional golfers.

Mohamed (age 17) and Reema (age 16) have been focusing their training on and off the golf course. Being a four-round event, the Asian Games will not only challenge their golf game but the games will also test their conditioning and mental stamina.

Preparation started over the past 4 months ago with training sessions four to six times a week and at the beginning of July, both players went on a two-week summer camp in Germany where a lot of attention was put into physical fitness and mental preparation.

“We feel that our players are ready to compete and represent the UAE at the best of their ability. Representing the UAE at the Asian Games will be a great honor and achievement for Reema and Mohamed. The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is proud of the hard work and determination that they have put into their preparation,” said EGF Secretary General and National Team Manager, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

Golf will have 46 different representing countries competing in Men’s and Women’s Individual and Team Categories, with many top countries like Chinese Taipei, China, and India all contending for the gold medals.

To follow the action or to find more information about the 2018 Asian Games head to www.asiangames2018.id.

Johnson & Baldwin Dominate in Al Ain at EGF Summer Pairs Open Sponsored By Golf Superstore

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(Al Ain, UAE) – On August 3rd – 4th, 2018 the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club (AESGC) hosted the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Summer Pairs Open, sponsored by Golf Superstore. 58 players (29 teams) took to the course for this two-day event. With day one played as a Better Ball Stableford and day two played as an Individual Pairs Stableford, the teams had to put together two solid rounds to find themselves in the running for prizes.

2018 Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Summer Pairs Open at AESGC, sponsored by Golf Superstore

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club is located in the Oasis City of Al Ain. The golf club at AESGC is a fantastic social hub and was the perfect venue to host the EGF Summer Pairs Open. For hosting this event during mid-summer the course was in outstanding conditions and the players truly enjoyed the setting over the weekend.

Leighton Johnson & David Baldwin

After a fantastic weekend of golf, Leighton Johnson a member of AESGC and David Baldwin a member of Trump International Golf Club came out on with a total of 120 points. 46 points came on the first day of play in the Better Ball Stableford format. Scores of 31 from Johnson and an impressive 41 from Baldwin sealed the victory on day two, in the Individual Pairs Stableford format.

National Team Member Saif Thabet and his playing partner Sara Engsig finished in Second Place with 111 points. Thabet fired a strong 71 (1-over-par) gross score, 36 Stableford points, while Engsig collected 34 Stableford points for their second round.

David Kerr and Baz Pickles won the Third Place Prize with 109 points. With the Top 5 finishers receiving prizes, Paul Spinks and Craig Hanson came in Fourth Place with 107 points and Theuns Webb and Chris Bentley came in Fifth Place with 103 points.

There were also four other “On Course Prizes” given out. For day one the contest was Nearest to the Pin in Two Shots on Hole 4 and Nearest to the Pin on Hole 15. On day two, the contest was Nearest to the Pin on Hole 8 and Straightest Drive on Hole 18. For day one Vivek Sharma won the Nearest to the Pin in Two Shots on Hole 4 and Hendrik Van Rensberg won the Nearest to the Pin on Hole 15. For day two, Mike Garbutt won the Nearest to the Pin on Hole 8 and his wife Martine Garbutt won the Straightest Drive on Hole 18.

The EGF would like to send special thanks to the Official Sponsor of the EGF Summer Pairs Open, Golf Superstore. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, near Noor Bank Metro, Golf Superstore is fully stocked with a range of the newest golf clothing and professionally fitted golf clubs using the latest Trackman Technology.

The Top 3 Pairs

To see the photos from this event follow the EGF on Facebook.

27 National Golfers Travel to Germany in Preparation For Upcoming Championships

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(Dubai, UAE) – Today, July 8th, 2018, the Emirates Golf Federation is sending 27 United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Junior and Ladies Golfers in preparation for upcoming championships. Funded by the EGF, golfers as young as 8 years old will travel for a 14-day summer camp in Fleesensee, Germany. This two-week camp will focus on fundamentals and preparation for international competition such as the Asian Games, Asian Pacific Golf Confederation Junior Championship, and the Arab Golf Championships.

The EGF Junior, Ladies, and Foundation Squads at the Jumeirah Golf Estates – European Tour Performance Institute

This year’s training schedule is full of individual skill tests that will measure the players’ abilities while providing each player with feedback on areas that need improvement. The players will also have a large dose of on-course play that will replicate championships conditions.

Fleesensee Golf Resort was once a “European Tour Destination” with five courses varying in length and difficulty. The venue also has some of Europe’s best practice facilities where the teams will be able to work on all aspects of their game.

The 27 players will be evaluated throughout the two weeks to make up the prospected Ladies Team, Boys 18 & Under Team, and Boys 15 & Under Team. Hosting and managing the camp will be National Junior and Ladies Head Coach, Samir Wallani. Assisting Coach Samir will be Teaching Professional Ryno Rudolph from Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club and April Varney a Teaching Professional from Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Mr. Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi the UAE National Team Manager and EGF Secretary-General will also be overseeing the players and coaches.

“These two weeks followed by the next four months will be very important for these players’ golfing careers. Some of these players will start competing in international events for their first time while others will be representing the UAE on a top amateur level” said National Junior and Ladies Head Coach, Samir Wallani.

For the past two years, most of the players have been training across the UAE and now ready to start competitive golf. A product National Junior Development Program that has been developing and identifying National talent, the EGF is excited to these players continue their progress onto the UAE National Golf Teams.

To find more information regarding the National Junior Development Program visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

“This year’s Summer Camp will define the future of UAE’s National Golf Teams. As players get older it is the EGF’s duty to replace the older players with new young talent pushing the progress of the National Golf Teams. The camp will not only shape UAE’s golf but prepare the next generation for upcoming Championships, said UAE National Team Manager and EGF Secretary-General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

You can keep up to date with the summer camp on social media, as there will be daily posts of the teams’ time in Germany. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

Abdulla Kalbat, 10, Becomes the Youngest Winner of the 24th Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup

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The 24th staging of the Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup attracted a strong field of players from all age ranges and it was the 10-year old, Abdulla Kalbat who emerged as the Overall Champion with 38 stableford points at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club on Saturday, 5th May.

Abdulla Kalbat Overall Champion of the 24th DDF UAE Nationals Cup

Kalbat, the youngest known winner of the tournament clinched the Best Junior as well.

The tournament was tightly contested having a tie for 1st runner up with Rashid Al Emadi narrowly edging out Adel Zarouni on a countback with 35 points. The gross champion on the day was Khalid Yousef, shooting a brilliant gross 75.

Commenting on the UAE Nationals Cup, Salah Tahlak. Executive Vice President – Corporate Services of Dubai Duty Free said: “The tournament has grown popular among UAE nationals since 1995 including junior Emirati golfers and we are delighted to have our youngest winner to date. Congratulations to all the winners and special thanks to all our participants and to the Marketing team at Dubai Duty Free and to the Arabian Ranches Golf Club for their efforts in ensuring a great day was had by all.”

The tournament was a great success, with Dubai Duty Free continuing their support for all sports and golf in the region. At the prize presentation, Tahlak was joined by Dubai Duty Free’s Senior Vice President for Marketing, Sinead El Sibai.

Fisher Wins EGF Order of Merit Championship After Two-Hole Playoff; Gupta Dominates Ladies Division As Mogire Comes Back To Win The Junior Division

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(Dubai, UAE) – On May 4th – 5th, 2018 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) held the 2018 EGF Order of Merit Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates. With over 55 elite amateur golfers in the field, there was a storyline for each of the three divisions.

2017 – 2018 Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit Winners

The EGF Order of Merit Championship had representing divisions for Men, Ladies, and Juniors. The Championship was played over a two day, 36-hole, Strokeplay format, on the Earth Course of Jumeirah Golf Estates. A fitting end to the EGF Season to host the final event on the same course where the European Tour hosts its final event. The field was composed of the top amateur golfers in each division that supported and competed in the 2017 – 2018 EGF Order of Merit Season.

The Men’s Division ended in a thrilling fashion as Nathan Fisher and Arjun Guptan had to battle it out in a two-hole playoff. After both players scrambled for a bogey (6) on the daunting Par 5, 18th Hole, for the first playoff hole, Fisher bounced back for the second playoff hole, again on the Par 5, 18th Hole, to find himself with an easy tap-in par for the victory. Fisher shot a 78 – 70 for a championship total of 148.

Finishing as the Runner-Up in the Men’s Division was Arjun Gupta. Arjun shot rounds of 73 – 75 for a championship total of 148. Arjun was also the Runner-Up for the 2017 – 2018 season long EGF Order of Merit in the Men’s Division. Just one-shot back and finishing in Third Place with scores of 75 – 74 (149 total) was 14 year old and Men’s Order of Merit Season winner Josh Hill. Josh had a fantastic season winning 7 out of 14 UAE Men’s Opens.

Dominating the Ladies Division and winning the championship by four strokes was young Natalii Gupta. Natalii was close to consistent all weekend with rounds of 76 – 78 for a championship total of 154. This victory was a great end to a strong season for Natalii as the young lady was also the Ladies Gross Order of Merit Season Champion.

Katie Bibby was the Runner-Up in the Ladies Division. Katie shot rounds 81 – 77 for a championship total of 158. Rounding out the top-three, coming in Third Place was Sara Engsig. Sara shot rounds of 83 – 82 for a 165 total.

The Junior Division was played with the Girls and Boys golfers combined. This division was full of talent as Bradley Mogire had an impressive second round to win the championship by two strokes. Bradley fired rounds of 76 – 74 for a championship total 150. This was a strong finish for Bradley after finishing fourth in the Boys Gross Order of Merit season standings.

 

The Runner-Up in the Junior Division was Max Cashmore. Max shot rounds of 75 – 77 for a championship total of 152, two shots off the lead. Winning the Third Place prize was Niklas Korjonen with rounds 78 – 77 for a 155 total.

The EGF would also like to acknowledge that with its continued partnership with the DP World Tour Championship and European Tour, the season-ending flagship event is offering the Top 40 Juniors from the EGF Order of Merit Season to play in a one day qualifying event (The Junior Luckiest Ball on Earth) where the winners will play in the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am.

After the tournament, the EGF hosted an award ceremony where the winners of the EGF Order of Merit Championship and the winners of the EGF Order of Merit Season received their well-deserved prizes. To see all of the results from the EGF Order of Merit Season, please revert to the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

The EGF would like to thank all Golf Clubs, partners, and EGF Members for a successful 2017 – 2018 Order of Merit Season and Championship.