Uncategorized – Page 24 – Emirates Golf Federation

UAE National Senior and Youth Team Ready for Qatar

February 29, 2016/in /by admin

(Dubai, UAE) – On February 29^th, 2016 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Senior and Youth (18 & Under) golf teams will travel to Qatar to compete in the 2016 GCC Golf Championship. Hosted at the Doha Golf Club by the Qatar Golf Association, the UAE teams are looking to make an impression after months of solid performances and a strong training schedule.

UAE Team Members (L-R – Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik, Coach Greg Holmes and Rashid Hamood)

Doha Golf Club is an 18 hole Championship Course designed by Peter Harradine and is the home of the Qatar Masters. Tipping out at 7,374 yards the golf course will provide a tough challenge for both divisions.

Representing the Senior Team for the UAE will be Khalid Yousuf, Rashid Hamood, Ahmed Skaik, and Saeed Malik. This is the 20^th Edition of the Senior GCC Golf Championship.

After winning the 2016 UAE Presidents Cup this month Rashid Hamood is looking to provide the Senior Team the extra boost in order to compete for a top seed.

For the Youth (18 & Under Team) Division, the UAE team will be composed of Mohamed Al Hajeri, Mohmood Skaik, and Rasid Al Emadi. This will be the 9^th Edition of the Youth (18 & Under) GCC Golf Championship.

Rashid Al Emadi

Mohamed Al Hajeri is a key player to watch out for this weekend in Qatar. A rising star for the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the UAE, look for Al Hajeri to be in contention on the Individual Leaderboard.

Both teams will be accompanied by, EGF Chairman H.E Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman Adel Zarouni, Secretary General and Team Captain Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, National Team Coach Greg Holmes and Performance Coach David Condon.

National Team Coach, Greg Holmes has this to say heading into this week. “We have always had very good ball strikers on the team. This year we have worked very hard on our pre shot routines to help alleviate any outside obstacles. There have been some notable individual achievements during the year and we feel that we have a great chance in Qatar. Rashid Hamood played very well in the Presidents Cup we hope that this carries over for him at the GCC Championships”.

The tournament will officially start on Wednesday, March 2^nd and end on Saturday, March 5^th. The Youth Division will be three-rounds, ending on March 4^th. Follow the EGF on social media and on the EGF website to receive daily updates and results from the event.

Rashid Hamood Wins 2016 Presidents Cup In Playoff Showdown

February 13, 2016/in /by admin

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the most represented Emirati golf tournament in the United Arab of Emirates (UAE), on February 12-13, 2016 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. With a field of 72 players, the 2016 Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC was the largest Presidents Cup in history. The 4^rd edition of the Presidents Cup did not disappoint, as Rashid Hamood was victorious after a one-hole playoff.

The 2016 Presidents Cup Winners

The award ceremony was graced with HH Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, along with other dignitaries, including EGF board members.

Rashid Hamood shot rounds of 82-73 for an event total of 155, but 36-holes was not enough to decided this year’s champion. After a one-hole playoff against Khalid Yousuf, Hamood made an impressive birdie on the 18^th Hole [the first playoff hole] to hoist the Presidents Cup.

Rashid Hamood

After the event, Rashid Hamood was asked about the 2016 Presidents Cup. “It is an honor to win the Presidents Cup. To win this event that brings the entire National golfing community together means a lot to me. This is important because it has a strong impact on the development of UAE golf. I really stuck to my game plan this weekend. I was struggling the first round but bounced back and finished strong. I felt confident with my putter all weekend and made some clutch putts. With the GCC Golf Championships coming up at the end of the month this will be a good win leading up to that event.”

Taking the Runner-Up prize after the playoff was Khalid Yousuf. Yoursuf who was last year’s champion shot rounds of 78-77 for a total of 155. Yousuf collected 20 pars and 3 birdies on the weekend.

During the playoff on Hole 18 a daunting par-5, Yousuf pulled his tee shot leaving him under a tree, while Hamood found the middle of the fairway. After punching out Yousuf hit a 3-wood from 265 yards to about 30 feet. This was not good enough as Hamood matched his 3-wood shot hitting the green in two. Once on the green Rashid only needed to two-putt for the victory.

Rounding out the Top-3 and coming in third place, was Abdulla Al Qubasis with rounds of 79-80 for a total of 159.

The Overall Net winner for the event was Saeed Al Balooshi. Al Balooshi playing off a 19 Handicap finished with a Net Total of 138, 6-under-par.

Tara Al Marzooqi

This year’s Ladies Champion was Tara Al Marzooqi. Al Marzooqi is coming off a Team Gold Medal at the 2016 Ladies GCC Golf Championship in Bahrain. Al Marzooqi shot rounds of 96-103 for a tournament total of 199.

The Ladies Overall Net winner was Alia Al Emadi with a net score of 153, 9-over-par. Al Emadi is a raising star on the National Ladies Squad and will start competing more frequently in major events like this.

Rashid Al Emadi

In the Junior Division, Rashid Al Emadi stole the show with a winning total of 185. Rashid is another junior to keep an eye on as he is steadily improving his game. Khaled Al Mutawa was the Runner-Up with an event total 208.

As the final round was underway and in part with National Junior Development Program (NJDP), National Team Coaches Greg Holmes and David Condon organized and hosted a Junior Clinic on the driving range. This gave youngsters a chance to receive one-on-one coaching lessons.

“As the EGF is always looking to give back to the golfing community, this clinic is a great way for kids to learn golf. Trying to grow the game and create interest in the sport is always a goal of the Federation”, said Khalid Mubarak al Shamisi.

The 2016 Presidents Cup was sponsored by HSBC. 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 Golf Championship and worldwide influence on junior golf programs HSBC was an easy fit for the EGF and this event.

With strong sponsors, ambassadors, and commitment being embodied, this event and UAE Golf will continue to grow for many years to come.

Scored by VPAR you can see the full results on the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com. To view all photos from this event find the Emirates Golf Federation on Facebook and Social Media.

Yousuf Aims to Defend Title At Largest Presidents Cup

February 10, 2016/in /by admin

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – On February 12-13, 2016 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) will host the 2016 United Arab Emirates (UAE) Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC. With a field of 72 players this year’s championship will have the largest field in its four years of existence. The 2016 Presidents Cup will take place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Looking to defend his title will be National Team player Khalid Yousuf.

H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan & Khalid Yousuf the 2015 Presidents Cup Champion

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship will provide players with a tough challenge this weekend. This “super course” just hosted six of the world’s top golfers at the HSBC Golf Championship less than a month ago. Playing this weekend will be a treat for the Presidents Cup’s participants as the course is surely to be in championship conditions.

Khalid Yousuf, UAE National Team player and winner of the 2015 Presidents Cup, had this to say about the upcoming event. “ The Presidents Cup is an important event on the EGF calendar and especially for the UAE Nationals. This event brings all of us together for a fun and competitive weekend. I am really looking forward to defending my title. It will be nice challenge for us as it is hosted at a different venue this year. Playing well is a goal of mine this weekend, it will be good preparation for the upcoming 2016 GCC Golf Championship in Qatar”.

The Presidents Cup is a 36-hole, Gross, Stroke-Play Championship split into 3 Division, a Men’s, Ladies, and Junior Division. The EGF will also award top Net Prizes for all divisions. This event is open to all Emirati Golfers with a valid handicap certificate.

The EGF will also be hosting a Junior Clinic and Skills Challenge during the final round. This clinic and skills challenge will include juniors that are currently in the National Junior Development Program (NJDP). If you are interesting in participating in the clinic please contact the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

The 2015 Presidents Cup Par 3 Challenge Participants

EGF is excited to have HSBC as a title sponsor. 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 Golf Championship and worldwide influence on junior golf programs HSBC was an easy fit for the EGF.

Scored by VPAR, you can follow the event on the EGF Website as well as on Social Media for daily updates and news.

All Systems Go For The 2016 Presidents Cup Sponsored By HSBC

February 8, 2016/in /by admin

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – The 3^rd United Arab Emirates (UAE) Presidents Cup has been officially confirmed. Hosted by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) this prestigious event will take place on February 12 – 13, 2016 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. After having the event at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club the past two years, the EGF is excited to work with the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the 2016 Presidents Cup.

Winners of the 2nd UAE Presidents Cup in 2015

EGF is also thrilled to announce that HSBC will be the event sponsor for the next three years. 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 Golf Championship and worldwide influence on junior golf programs. The EGF is expecting HSBC to have this same impact on the Presidents Cup moving forward.

H.E. Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, EGF Chairman, had this is say about the HSBC Partnership and 2016 Presidents Cup. “With the amount of success and effort that HSBC contributes to golf within the UAE and globally, this partnership was an easy fit. The 2016 Presidents Cup is shaping up to be a great event. As the tee times quickly fill up, we are expecting to have one of our largest fields in Presidents Cup history.”

“It is a privilege for HSBC to sponsor the UAE Presidents Cup following the success of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship last month. HSBC’s involvement in golf is not just about the elite level but also grassroots development. Through our involvement in the UAE Presidents Cup, we aim to build a legacy of sporting excellence and opportunity for future generations here in the UAE,” said Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO of HSBC UAE and EGF Board Member.

Following the EGF on social media and on the EGF website to receive event updates and results.

UAE Ladies Team Strike Gold in Bahrain; Juniors Finish 4th

February 5, 2016/in /by admin

(Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain) – On February 2-4, 2016 the Royal Golf Club in Riffa, Bahrain hosted the 2016 Ladies & Junior GCC Golf Championship. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ladies National Team comprised of Dr. Rabab Al Haj, Reema Al Heloo, and Tara Al Marzooqi won the Gold in the Team Division. The UAE Junior (15 & Under) National Team finished in 4th Place.

2016 Ladies GCC Golf Championship Gold Medal Winners
Top Left to Right: Reema Al Heloo, Dr. Rabab Al Haj, Tara Al Marzooqi, & Greg Holmes
Bottom: EGF Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi

The Royal Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course that is designed by course architect and golf legend Colin Montgomerie. With low temperatures and high winds throughout the week the teams were challenged on this tough course.

Having a strong championship for the UAE, the Ladies National Team won the Gold in the Team Category. This is the first Gold ever won by the UAE Ladies. After taking the best two scores from the team each of the three rounds, the ladies had a team score of 559. The ladies also ran the podium in the Individual Category placing first, second, and third.

Commanding the way and winning the Gold in the Ladies Individual Category was Reema Al Heloo. Reema has had an impressive golf season this year with wins on the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit and in National Monthly Medals. Reema fired rounds of 93-100 and an impressive final round of 87 for a championship total of 280.

Reema Al Heloo

“My short game and especially my buckers shots were working well for me this week. On the last hole [a par 5] of the final round, I had a bunker shot that I played perfectly which left me with a tap-in-birdie. This is my biggest victory, and it feels special to win a GCC event. It’s great knowing that my coaches, family, and country are proud of me,” said Reema after receiving two Gold medals.

Winning the Silver Prize in the Ladies Individual Category was Dr. Rabab Al Haj. Dr. Rabab had rounds of 93-96-92 for a total of 281. Rounding out the Ladies Team and finishing in 3^rd Place in the Individual Category was Tara Al Marzooqi. Tara shot rounds of 99-98-94 for a total of 291.

National Team Coach Greg Holmes had this to say about the Ladies Team performance. “I am honored to be apart of this historic victory. The Ladies have worked extremely hard and thoroughly deserve the Gold, as well as the clean sweep in the Individual Category. I hope that this is a reflection and a catalyst for the growth in talent for the ladies’ game. We are looking forward to many more successful outings.”

The UAE Junior (15 & Under) National Team finished in 4^th Place for the championship with a team total of 444. Winning the Gold in the Team Category for the Juniors (15 & Under) was Bahrain with a Team score of 506. Qatar finished in 2^nd and Saudi Arabia finished 3^rd.

Junior (15 & Under) National Team

Leading the way and finishing in 7^th Place in Individual Category for the UAE was Rashed Al Emadi. Rashed had rounds of 91-96-98 for a championship total of 285.

Coming in 9^th Place in the Individual Category for the Junior Team was Obaid Al Heloo. Obaid had rounds of 98-96-112 for a total of 306. Finishing off the Junior Team was Khalid Al Mutawa. Khalid finished in 11^th Place in the Individual Category with rounds of 118-108-112 for a total of 328.

The Ladies and Junior National Teams will be back in action next weekend at the UAE Presidents Cup at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. These players will also keep their games in shape by playing the EGF Order of Merit, UAE Club Events, and National Monthly Medals over the next few months.

The 2016 Senior & 18 Under GCC Golf Championship will take place in Qatar during the last week of February into the first week of March. A full report on these teams and event information will be released soon.

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

CASTRO & WOLF BECOME AN ULTIMATE PAIR

February 1, 2016/in Club News /by admin

(Sharjah, UAE) – The steady golf from German Castro (St Quentin GC) and Michael Wolf (Sky 77 GC) proved to be too much for the rest of the field in the 6^th edition of the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Clubs Ultimate Pairs Championship, played over the weekend of Friday 29^th & Saturday 30^th January 2016.

After guiding themselves through the first days Texas Scramble and Greensomes format they sat just behind the leaders on two under par, one stroke back. With the pair of Arun Tuli (SGSC) & Halim Husin (SGSC) looking very confident during day one the duo of Wolf and Castro knew day two needed to be special.

Throughout the course of the two days, Better Ball and Foursomes formats, the errors started to creep into the leaders rounds. The bright start for Mark Dupree and Rory Thomson ended in the Foursomes when the pairing carded some silly mistakes to ruin the chance of lifting the trophy in 2016. The horror story of the day came from team Tuli and Husin who carded a 7 on their finishing hole with all their hard work over the last two days been lost on the last. The door was opened for Castro and Wolf who produced a front nine of one under and returned home in two over 38 to take the Championship for the first time by 4 shots.

Returning in second place were regular playing partners Joe Moosa and Ben Mulvaney of the Emirates Golf Federation who couldn’t match the high level of golf shown by the winners over the two days but did come from 6th position overnight.

Third place went to the overnight leaders Arun Tuli and Halim Husin (SGSC) deserved at least that title for all the great golf they played over the 2 days.

With the top three positions settled the golfers were keen to know who had won the four different and testing formats played over the 36 holes. The first format of Texas Scramble went to good friends Vivian Verma (SGSC) and Sanjoy Das (SGSC) who produced a 32. The first day second 9 format of Greensomes went to Gurbax Singh (Emirates Golf Club) and Satnam Kaur of the EGF who combined extremely well to return a level par net score of 36, proving how difficult the Greensomes format is to play.

The second day’s front nine format of Better Ball went to Mark Dupree and Rory Thomson of SGSC also who battled well to shot three under 33 net. The final 9 hole format prizes being Foursomes went to coach and player partnership of Steve Chambers and Julian Panter (SGSC) who were delighted to see their early time paid off in the end after shooting 39 net.

UAE Ladies & Junior National Teams Set For GCC Golf Championship

January 31, 2016/in /by admin

(Dubai, UAE) – On February 2 – 4, 2016 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ladies and Junior (15 & Under) National Teams will travel to Bahrain to compete in the 2016 Ladies and Junior GCC Golf Championship. This three-day event will take place at the Royal Golf Club Bahrain.

Top – Left to Right: Dr. Rabab Al Haj, Reema Al Heloo,Tara & Al Marzooqi
Bottom – Left to Right: Rashed Al Emadi, Obaid Al Heloo, and Khalid Al Mutawa

Set in Riffa, Bahrain this 18-hole championship course is designed by course architect and golf legend Colin Montgomerie. The Royal Golf Club is a challenging yet forgiving course that will play as a great venue for the Ladies and Junior teams.

Representing the Ladies team for the UAE will Dr. Rabab Al Haj, Reema Al Heloo, and Tara Al Marzooqi. After finishing in second place at the last GCC Golf Championship in Kuwait, the Ladies Team is looking to make an impact this week in Bahrain.

Leading the way on the Ladies team will be youngster Reema Al Heloo. Reema has made strong improvements in her game over the past 6 months and wins in the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit tournaments and the National Monthly Medals, Reema will have confidence heading into this week.

Playing for the Junior (15 & Under) team will be Rashed Al Emadi, Obaid Al Heloo, and Khalid Al Mutawa. This young but well practiced team will be the future of UAE Golf.

Making his first appearance in a GCC Golf Championship will be Rashed Al Emadi. A product of the EGF National Junior Development Program (NJDP) this will provide Rashed valuable experience for his golfing career.

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

EGF National Squad Trains With The Best at ETPI

January 18, 2016/in /by admin

(Dubai, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) National Squad was hard at work this past weekend (January 15-16, 2016) with the world renowned Jean Jacques Rivet at the European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI) at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Jean Jacques who is based at Terre Blanche near Nice in the South of France is a leader in the field of sports Bio Mechanics and works with many of the worlds leading sports men and women.

Known to all as JJ, he works on maintaining a sound Bio mechanic platform which allows the body to make and efficient and consistent movement during the swing which in turn helps to prevent injuries and also to achieve better sequencing and foot grounding, which in turn creates better power and accuracy.

JJ and the National Squad were working with US Masters Champion Mike Weir, Raphael Jacquelin and Alexander Levy prior to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first event of the Desert Swing.

The EGF National Squad works with JJ on a regular basis. The knowledge gained from these lessons is invaluable. This is timely training, as the UAE National Teams will be traveling Bahrain and Qatar for the GCC Championships in the next two months.

More information on the teams and the events will be released next week.

Yaslam Al Ameri Wins First National Monthly Medal of 2016

(Al Ain, UAE) – On January 16^th 2016 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the first National Monthly Medal of 2016 at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club (AESGC). With a field of 36 players and perfect weather conditions the competition was tough.

Winners of the January 2016 National Monthly Medal at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club

AESGC is located in Oasis City, Al Ain. AESGC is an 18-hole Championship Course that offers a scenic and perplexing experience for all golfers. With yardages tipping out at 6,839 yards this challenging course is the perfect venue for the to start the New Year.

The overall winner of the January 2016 National Monthly Medal was Yaslam Al Ameri. Al Ameri not only won the overall competition with 39 Stableford points but he also won the best gross prize by shooting an 83.

The Runner-Up and winning after a count back, with 43 Stableford points was Abdulla Al Marzooqi. Rounding out the top three, in Third Place was Lora Al Marzooqi with 34 points.

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 Mohammed Al Hajeri with 34 Stableford Points. Reema Al Heloo won the Division-B prize with 44 Stableford Points.

In the Junior Division, Reema Al Heloo was the clear winner by 6 points, with her 44 Stableford points. The Runner-Up was Alia El Emadi with 38 points and the Third Place prize went to Mohammed Al Hajeri with 35 Stableford points.

The event had On Course Challenges for both the Adults and Juniors that added competition to the day. Winning the Adult Longest Drive Award on Hole 3 was Yaslam Al Ameri. The winner of the Junior Longest Drive Award on Hole 10 was Mohammed Al Hajeri. Wrapping up the On Course Challenges, Reema Al Heloo won the Junior Nearest to the Pin Award on Hole 15.

Keep in touch with the EGF and the UAE National Golf Teams by following the Emirates Golf Federation on social media and on the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

EGF Partners With Tee & Putt Mini Golf for 2016

January 3, 2016/in /by admin

(Dubai, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is starting the New Year by launching a new partnership Tee & Putt Mini Golf. With three different mini golf locations, Tee & Putt Mini Golf has facilities to impact the entire United Arab Emirates (UAE).

One of the goals for the EGF is to provide benefits to its members with special offers linked to its membership. With this new partnership all EGF Members that produce their EGF card at one of the Tee & Putt Mini Golf facilities will receive 15% off a round of mini golf. Tee & Putt Mini Golf has also offered special Birthday offers for all EGF Members.

Tee & Putt Mini Golf offers three different “glow in the dark” mini golf courses. The three courses are located at Wafi Mall, Arabian Center, and Dalma Mall.

“This is a great way for the EGF Members to receive more from their membership. Added benefits like these will bring an added value to the EGF Membership”.

“This is also a great way for parents to introduce the game of golf to their kids. There is nothing better than a fun night out with the family playing Mini Golf”, said Robert Fiala EGF Sales and Marketing Manager.

Rashi Panjabi Director of Tee & Putt Mini Golf has this to say about the new partnership “We are very excited for this mutually beneficial partnership with Emirates Golf Federation. We look forward to working together with the golfing community. Tee & Putt is a versatile and ideal location for family outing, birthdays, team building, competitions, fairs, tournaments or any customized events that EGF members are looking for at an affordable price”

To view full disruption of the Tee & Putt Mini Golf partnership and benefits please revert to the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com under the promotions page. While on the website check out the other great offers that EGF Members receive.