Uncategorized – Page 27 – Emirates Golf Federation

Al Emadi Leads U15 National Golf Team to Gold at 2017 GCC Golf Championship

April 16, 2017/in /by admin

(Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) – On April 13 – 15, 2017 the Riyadh Golf Club hosted the 2017 GCC 18 & Under and 15 & Under Golf Championship. After months of hard work, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 15 & Under National Golf Team found themselves on top of the podium collecting the Overall Team Gold Medal. Leading the way for the 15 & Under Team was Rashid Al Emadi who captured the Gold Medal in the Individual Category. The UAE 18 & Under Team finished in 5^th Place.

The 15 & Under UAE National Golf Team lifting the 1st Place Trophy while wearing their Gold Medals

The 2017 GCC 18 & Under and 15 & Under Golf Championship was be played at the Riyadh Golf Club. The course provided the young golfers with a good challenge. Its undulating terrains and wide fairways tested the best GCC Juniors in the region.

Rashid Al Emadi

Rashid Al Emaid stole the show for the UAE this past weekend. The young 15-year-old captured the Gold Medal in the Individual Category while leading his team to the Overall Team Gold Medal with rounds of 85-87-85 for a championship total of 257.

After a month of practice at the Jumeirah Golf Estates – European Tour Performance Institute (JGE – ETPI) the teams’ hard work has paid off. During their time at the JGE – ETPI the teams worked on “Development of Short Game and Scoring” while preparing mentally for championship golf.

“My short game practice over the past few weeks really helped. My driver was working well but it was the focus around the greens that made the difference this weekend. I’d like to thank my team and coaches for pushing me to do well. We are so happy to have won this Medal for the UAE and I can’t wait to share this with my friends and family”, said Rashid after the championship.

Also having a solid championship for the 15 & Under team was Obaid Al Heloo. Obaid won the Bronze Medal in the Individual Category with rounds of 90-89-84 for a championship total of 263. Rounding off the team was Khaled Al Mutawa who finished 8^th in the Individual Category. Al Mutawa shot rounds of 95-93-92 for a 280 total.

Finishing in Second Place in the Overall Team Category – 15 & Under Division was Bahrain. Oman finished in Third Place.

The 18 & Under National Team finished in Fifth Place in the Overall Team Category. Mohammed Al Hajeri, Mohammed Abdulla Saeed, and Rashid Al Qubaisi represented the team. Finishing in Fifth Place in the Individual Category and missing the Top-Three by three (3) strokes was Mohammed Al Hajeri. Al Hajeri just at the age of 16 fired rounds of 79-81-78 for a total of 238.

Mohammed Saeed Abdullah finished in 13^th Place and Rashid Al Qubaisi finished in 14^th Place for the UAE Team in the Individual Category. The 18 & Under Division was won by Bahrain with Saudi Arabia coming in Second Place.

“The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is very proud of our teams. All of these boys are a product of the National Junior Development Program and this shows that our pathway and programs will continue producing young talent. This is just the start for these boys. We are looking to keep them focused and continue to develop their skills”, said National Team Manager and Emirates Golf federation Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

To follow the teams’ progression and to keep updated with UAE golf news follow the EGF on social media.

U18 & U15 National Golf Teams Ready for 2017 GCC Golf Championship

April 11, 2017/in /by admin

(Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) – Yesterday, the United Arab Emirate (UAE) 18 & Under and 15 & Under National Golf Teams traveled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the 2017 GCC Golf Championship. With the championship rounds on the 13^th – 15^th of April, the teams will have two practice rounds [today and tomorrow] in order to finalize their preparations.

(Left to Right): Rashid Al Emadi, Obaid Al Heloo, Mohammed Abdulla Saeed, & Rashid Al Qubaisi

The teams have spent the last 4 weeks training out of the Jumeirah Golf Estates – European Tour Performance Institute (JGE – ETPI) preparing for this championship event. The National Teams focused “Development of Short Game and Scoring”.

“Scoring is the most important part of playing in the GCC Championships. Recovering from mistakes and keeping the ball in play will help our team place in the top spots for this championship. We have some young talent and we have prepared well for this event, it is now time to put that hard work to the test,” said National Team Manager and Emirates Golf federation Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

The 2017 GCC 18 & Under and 15 & Under Golf Championship will be played at the Riyadh Golf Course. The course will provide the young golfers with a good challenge. Its undulating terrains and wide fairways will be a test for both teams.

Representing the 18 & Under National Team will Mohammed Al Hajeri, Mohammed Abdulla Saeed, and Rashid Al Qubaisi. Al Qubaisi will be playing in his first international event but leading the way for the UAE will be Al Hajeri. Al Hajeri is just coming off competing in the GCC Golf Championship for the UAE Senior Team where the team place third and collected the Bronze Medal in Bahrain.

Leading the way for the 15 & Under National Golf Team will be Rashid Al Emadi. Al Emadi has had a strong 2016 – 2017 golf season and has really focused on his short game in order to keep his scores low. Obaid Al Heloo and Khalid Al Mutawa will be looking to add support in the Team Category.

The championship will kick off tomorrow night, April 10^th, with the Championship Open Ceremony with three rounds of golf following the next three days. There will be a Team Category and Individual Category in both the 18 & Under and 15 & Under divisions.

To follow the teams’ progression and to keep updated with UAE golf news follow the EGF on social media.

National Golf Teams Prepare for GCC Golf Championship at JGE – ETPI

March 21, 2017/in /by admin

(Dubai, UAE) – The United Arab Emirate (UAE) 18 & Under and 15 & Under National Golf Teams will be participating in a four- week training program in preparation for the 2017 GCC Golf Championship. Hosted in Saudi Arabia, the 18 & Under and 15 & Under GCC Golf Championship will take place on April 11^th – 16^th, 2017.

UAE National Teams at Jumeirah Golf Estates – European Tour Performance Institute

Working with the Jumeirah Golf Estates – European Tour Performance Institute (JGE – ETPI), the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has implemented a four-week prep training program that will focus on the teams’ “Development of Short Game and Scoring”. The program will also involve mentally preparing the players leading up to the championship so that the team is fully equipped in April.

Starting the week of March 12^th and ending the week of April 9^th the program is designed to prepare the teams to play at their best during the championship. The teams have yet to be finalized for the championship but nine individuals will be participation in this prep program.

Mark Gregson-Walters the Director of Instruction at the Jumeirah Golf Estates – European Tour Performance Institute had this to say about the program, “we are excited to be part of the 18 & under and the 15 & under teams final preparation before the GCC Golf Championship. We have witnessed the teams’ hard work and enthusiasm when it comes to practice over the past months. We have a vast amount of experience at the European Tour Performance Institute, which we can share with the team to refine their games and prepare for the upcoming event in Saudi Arabia”.

To follow the teams’ progression and to keep updated with UAE golf news follow the EGF on social media.

EGF Website: www.egfgolf.com

EGF Facebook: Emirates Golf Federation

EGF Twitter: @EGFuaegolf

EGF Instagram: emiratesgolffederation

EGF LinkedIn: Emirates Golf Federation (EGF)

UAE National Golf Teams Claim 3 Gold & 2 Bronze at GCC Golf Championships

February 24, 2017/in /by admin

(Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain) – On February 20 – 23, 2017 the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the 21^st GCC Men’s Golf Championship and the 3^rd GCC Ladies Championship at the Royal Golf Club. With all six GCC countries taking part in the Men’s Championship and four teams competing in the Ladies Championship, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Teams claimed three Gold Medals and two Bronze Medals. Successfully defending their title, the Ladies Team lead by Tara Al Marzooqi won the Gold by a large margin. UAE’s raising golf sensation Ahmed Skaik won the Gold Medal in the Men’s Individual Division while the Men’s Team won the Bronze Medal.

Ladies & Men’s National Teams with Team Officials

The Royal Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course that is designed by course architect and golf legend Colin Montgomerie. After receiving a large amount of rain a week ago in Riffa the course was in tough condition this week for the championship, but the cold temperatures and soggy fairways could not stop the UAE National Golf Teams.

With back-to-back wins for the Ladies Team at the GCC Golf Championships, the UAE have cemented their place in Ladies Golf within the GCC. This year’s performance was particularly superior after winning the Gold Medal by 19 strokes. Leading the charge for the ladies and winning the Gold Medal in the Individual Category was Tara Al Marzooqi. Tara blew past the field during her final round as she fired an 82, 8 shots better than any other golfer. Together with her first two rounds of 92 – 89, for a championship total of 263, Tara secured the Gold by 9 shots. Kuwait won the Team Silver and Qatar the won the Team Bronze.

Tara had this to say after the championship, “Representing the UAE and winning these Gold Medals are a great honor. I am so proud of my teammates as we continue to develop in this game that we love. All of the hard work with my coaches is starting to pay off. I really enjoyed the weather this week because it was a change to what I’m used to in the UAE. I think that I stayed focus this week and didn’t let the bad shots affect my game. I stuck to my pre-shot routines and drove the ball well off the tees. The UAE and Emirates Golf Federation offer so many great opportunities that hopefully others will take advantage of. With more participation, we can become competitive in tournaments outside the GCC”.

Also representing the Ladies Team and finishing in Third Place collecting the Bronze Medal in the Individual Category was Reema Al Heloo. Reema had rounds of 95 – 86 – 93 for a total of 274. Hamda Al Suwaidi completed the Ladies Team with rounds of 95 – 99 – 90 for a total of 284.

Ahmed Shaik

In the Men’s Division, Ahmed Skaik went wire-to-wire in the Individual Category as he took the lead after round one and never looked back. With rounds of 76 – 74 – 72 – 75 for a championship total of 297 (9-over-par), Skaik collected his first GCC Golf Championship Gold Medal of his young career. Skaik has been committed to his game over the past 6 months, as he is currently 5^th on the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit leaderboard and just won Third Place at the 2017 UAE Presidents Cup.

Skaik had this to say about his performance, “It feels great to have my first individual victory and to have it at the GCC Golf Championship makes it even more special. The course played very tough this week but I feel like I didn’t rush things and played to my game. I was solid off the tees as I didn’t miss many fairways, but the key was my short game and making a lot of up and downs. Winning the GCC was a big goal for me and I’d also like to congratulate my teammates on winning the Team Bronze Medal for our country. Moving forward I will continue to play the EGF Order of Merit and discuss with my coaches my schedule for the next few months”.

Alongside Skaik, the UAE Men’s Team won the Bronze Medal in the Team Category. Rashid Hamood found his grove after the first round with scores of 83 – 77 – 77 – 78 , for a total of 315, enough for 7^th Place in the Individual Category. Team veteran Khalid Yousuf had an off championship with rounds of 88 – 83 – 77 – 79 for a total of 327, but was still able to give the team scores they needed in order to finish in the top three. Rounding out the team was young Mohammed Adel Al Hajeri. Playing in his first Senior Team event, Al Hajeri had rounds of 87 – 87 – 86 – 88 for a 348 total.

The Kingdom of Bahrain won the Team Gold while the Salman of Saudi Arabia won the Silver.

National Team Coach Greg Holmes had this to say about the teams’ performance. “I am so proud of our squads’ performance this week. This is proof that hard work pays off. It’s great to see the Ladies defend their title and the Men to receive the Bronze. Ahmed and Tara have been working hard and for them to win the Gold in their respected division will boost our program. With the dedication from the Emirates Golf Federation, the UAE will see much more youngsters involved in the National Junior Development Program where we can look forward to seeing more talent emerging in the future”.

The Ladies and Men’s National Teams will keep their games in shape by playing the EGF Order of Merit, UAE Club Events, and National Monthly Medals over the next few months.

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

To see full results from this event CLICK HERE

Ladies National Team Looks to Repeat at GCC Golf Championship; Al Hajeri Making First Senior Team Appearance

February 19, 2017/in /by admin

(Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain) – On February 20 – 23, 2017 the Royal Golf Club in Riffa, Bahrain will host the 21^st edition of the Senior GCC Golf Championship and the 3^rd edition of the Ladies GCC Golf Championship. Looking to defend their title, the United Arab Emirates (EGF) Ladies National Golf Team will be shooting for nothing less than a repeat Gold Medal performance. Playing in his first senior team championship, Mohammed Adel Al Hajeri will be in the spotlight all week.

2017 UAE Ladies National Team – From Left to Right: Hamda Al Suwaidi, Reema Al Heloo, and Tara Al Marzooqi

The Royal Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course that is designed by course architect and golf legend Colin Montgomerie. Over the past week the Riffa area was hit hard with rain and low temperatures, this should clear up for the championship but will still have its effect on the course conditions.

Representing the Ladies team for the UAE will be Hamda Al Suwaidi, Reema Al Heloo, and Tara Al Marzooqi. All three ladies have prepared and worked hard for this championship over the past 4 months. Reema is coming off a win at the 2017 UAE Presidents Cup and Hamda was on the winning team at the 2017 Gary Player Invitation Abu Dhabi. The Ladies Championship will be a 3-day (54 hole) event that will take place on the 20^th – 22^nd of February 2017.

UAE National Golf Performance Coach, David Condon had this to say about the Ladies Team. “You can feel that the Ladies Team was excited leading up to this Championship. Trying to defend their GCC Gold Medal performance from last year means a lot to the team and the Emirates Golf Federation. It will be a fun week, as Reema Al Heloo will also be attempting to defend the individual title from 12 months ago. The team has been training well and is fully prepared for their defense”.

Mohammed Adel Al Hajeri

For the Senior Team young hopeful, Mohammed Adel Al Hajeri will be making his first appearance on the UAE National Senior Golf Team. At the age of 17, Al Hajeri has climbed his way through the National Golf Team Program to secure his spot in this week’s Championship. Playing along side Al Hajeri will be team veteran Khalid Yousuf, 2017 UAE Presidents Cup Championship Rashid Hamood, and rising UAE golf sensation Ahmed Skaik.

“We are very happy with our selection of the Senior Team for this Championship. We have a good mixture or young talent and experienced players. This might be the strongest team that we have had for a few years and we are expecting to see some good scores. Having Al Hajeri playing in his first Senior Championship shows that the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the National Team Program is capable of producing young talented golfers”, said EGF Secretary General Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

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

Back-to-Back Victories for Rashid Hamood at The UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the most represented Emirati golf tournament in the United Arab of Emirates (UAE), on February 10-11, 2017 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Sponsored by HSBC, the 5^th edition of the UAE Presidents Cup saw it’s largest field with 81 players. After winning in 2016 Rashid Hamood successfully defended his title in a stunning fashion.

The 2017 UAE Presidents Cup Winners sponsored by HSBC

Winning by four strokes and victories for back-to-back years, Rashid Hamood shot rounds of 77-74 for an event total of 151. Helping his cause and the shot of the tournament came on the final hole when he holed out on the famous 18^th– hole [par 5] at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. From 145 yards, Hamood hit a knockdown 7-iron into the wind, which found the bottom of the cup for an eagle.

Rashid Hamood

After the event, Rashid Hamood was asked about the 2017 UAE Presidents Cup. “It’s an amazing feeling defending the title at the UAE Presidents Cup. I didn’t start the weekend very well but managed to pick up a few shots on the inward half of today’s [final] round. I held my game together and holing out on the 18^th was a bonus and topped off the day, which was a true tale of two halves. I would like to thank the Emirates Golf Federation, HSBC, and Yas Links for another great edition of this event. I’d also like to thank my playing partners [for the final round] Khalid Yousuf and Abdulla Al Musharrekh. We all pushed each other to play our best. With the GCC Golf Championships coming up this will be a good win heading into that event.”

Taking the Runner-Up prize with rounds of 73-83 for an event total of 156 was Khalid Yousuf. Khalid Yousuf now has three Runner-Up finished and two wins at the UAE Presidents Cup.

Rounding out the Top-3 and coming in Third Place, was Ahmed Skaik with rounds of 80-77 for a total of 157. Ahmed fought hard all weekend and will be looking to leave his footprint on this event next year.

The Overall Net Winner for the event was Abdulla Al Muharrami. Al Muharrami was playing off a 26 Handicap and finished with a Net Total of 135, 9-under-par.

Reema Al Heloo

This year’s Ladies Champion was Reema Al Heloo. Reema had a very strong 2016 and was recently recognized at the 2016 MEGAs as the National Player of the Year. Reema shot an event total of 171 Gross score for 27-over-par.

The Ladies Overall Net winner was Hamda Al Suwaidi with a Net score of 150, 6-over-par. Hamda is recently coming off a victory at last week’s Abu Dhabi Gary Player Invitational.

In the Junior Division, Rashid Al Emadi stole the show with a winning total of 169. Rashid also successfully defended his title after winning the Junior Division last year. This year he improved his score by 16 strokes and continues to get better with every event he plays in.

Winning the Runner-Up prize in the Junior Division was Obaid Al Heloo and taking home the Best Junior Net prize was Rashid Al Qubaisi.

“It’s is great to see so many players support this event. It is also good to point out that the event is growing every year. On behalf of the Emirates Golf Federation, we would like to thank HSBC for their sponsorship and Yas Links for host our event. Congratulations to our winners, I know that many of them have been working hard this season and that work is paying off,” said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi the Secretary General of the EGF.

The 2017 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 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 the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, along with other dignitaries, including EGF board members.

Scored by VPAR you can see the full results by clicking here. To view all photos from this event find the Emirates Golf Federation on Facebook and Social Media.

The EGF will be back in action when the National Team travels to Bahrain for the GCC Golf Championship February 18-23, 2017 and next month at the National Monthly Medal on March 25, 2017, at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

EGF Set for the 2017 UAE Presidents Cup Sponsored By HSBC

February 8, 2017/in /by admin

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – The 5^thUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC will be hosted by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) this weekend February 10 – 11, 2017 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. After having this prestigious event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club last year, the EGF is excited to work with Yas Links and their well-experienced staff for the 2017 UAE Presidents Cup.

Winners of the 2016 UAE Presidents Cup

EGF is thrilled to work alongside with HSBC for the fifth year straight on this event. 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 and worldwide influence on junior golf programs.

EGF Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi had this to say about the 2017 UAE Presidents Cup. “It is always great to work with HSBC and their knowledgeable events management staff. The 2017 UAE Presidents Cup is shaping up to be a great event. We have secured a full field of 78 players with many of young nationals looking to have their names inscribed on the coveted Presidents Cup trophy”.

Looking to defend his title from last year Rashid Hamood said, “To play in this event is always a privilege. Many of the UAE Nationals look forward to this event so that we can showcase our talent. Working at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club I understand the amount of time and organization that goes into a major event like this, we all are very thankful to both the EGF and HSBC for their hard work on this event”.

The EGF encourages any and all spectators to visit Yas Link Abu Dhabi this weekend and support this fantastic event. You can follow the event with live scoring provided by VPAR. You can see the results and hole-by-hole action on the EGF website and social media pages.

UAE National Golf Team Test Drives Trump International

January 18, 2017/in /by admin

(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

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

January 15, 2017/in /by admin

(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

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 3^rd 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 10^th – 11^th 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

January 3, 2017/in /by admin

(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

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

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 12^th 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.