(Ayrshire, Scotland) – Sara Ali Abubaker made the cut at The R&A Junior Open in Scotland. Over the last two days, Sara has been battling it out with the top junior golfers in the 11th Junior Open at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club.
Firing rounds of 78-83 Sara is currently tied for 26th. Sara will be teeing off at 8:50 local time (Scotland).
The R&A Junior Open is a biennial event where all R&A affiliated Federations and Associations enter their best under-16 boy and girl golfers. The Championship is played over 54 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes a cut was in place that determined who would play the final 18 holes.
Down the road from this year’s Open at Royal Troon, Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club has played host to the Final Qualifying for The Open and The Women’s Armature Championship in the past. The Club’s links-style par 71 (playing par 72 for this championship).
To follow the live leaderboard or receive updates follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/85566AC2-E544-473A-8179-F04BD5FF4427.jpg19201440Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-07-17 05:15:042024-07-17 05:15:04CUT MADE! – Sara Ali Abubaker
(Ayrshire, Scotland) – Invited by The R&A and selected by the Emirates Golf Federation, the United Arab Emirates’s top junior golfers are set to represent at The Junior Open in Scotland. Sara Ali Abubaker and Abdulla Darwish will compete in the 11th Junior Open at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club.
Abdulla Darwish & Sara Ali at The 11th Junior Open at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club.
On July 15-17, 2024, the best junior golfers in the world will assemble for this biennial event where all R&A-affiliated Federations and Associations enter their best under-16 boy and girl golfers. The Championship will be played over 54 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes there will be a cut to determine who will play the final 18 holes.
This will be Sara Ali’s second time participating in this prestigious junior event while Abdulla will be making his first appearance.
Just down the road from this year’s Open at Royal Troon, Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club has played host to the Final Qualifying for the Open and The Women’s Armature Championship in the past. The Club’s par 71 links-style layout will surely test the young boys and girls.
Sara Ali will be teeing off today at 12:04 while Abdullah Darwish will be starting at 13:48, local time. To follow the live leaderboard or receive updates follow the Emirates Golf Federation on social media.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Abdulla-Darwish-Sara-Ali-.jpg11471284Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-07-15 07:53:452024-07-15 07:53:45UAE’s Top Juniors Sara Ali and Abdulla Darwish Represent at The Junior Open
(Dubai, UAE) – On June 11, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted over 30 physical education teachers from Emirates Schools Establishment and the sporting service provider ESM, to introduce The R&A Unleash Your Drive in Schools Program supported by GolfWay the Golf Foundation at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Physical Education Teachers at Jumeirah Golf Estates learning how to use the GolfWay equipment
EGF Director of Instruction and National Team Coach, Cameron van Rooyen alongside Nick Horrock, Director of Strategic Partnership, Golf Development Advisor, and Consultant with The R&A and GolfWay put on a three-hour seminar running activities and training physical education teachers on how to implement a first touch golf program into schools.
The objective would be for the interested schools to participate in the program, and run the activities during the physical education classes, this allows the Emirates PGA teaching professionals to link with the schools and to foster a talent identification pathway.
“We must continue to develop the sport of golf at all levels. We look forward to working with our partners, the UAE schools, and golf clubs to ensure the development and success of grassroots golf”, said Akram Skaik the Director General of the EGF
To learn more information about the program or how to start the sport of golf email the Emirates Golf Federation at info@egfgolf.com
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Unleash-Your-Drive-in-School-Program--scaled.jpg11692560Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-06-19 07:54:432024-06-19 08:11:16EGF Continues to push Golf in Physical Education
(Petaling Jaya, Malaysia) – On June 12-15, 2024, the United Arab Emirates Girls and Boys National Golf Teams will compete in the 3rd Selangor International Junior Golf Championship at Seri Selangor Golf Club.
UAE National Girls & Boys Team in Malaysia
Over 120 players will compete in an international team and individual championship. Teams will consist of four girls and four boys between the ages of 12 and 19. All players invited to compete are a part of their national countries’ golf program and hold a handicap of 12 or below.
The tournament will be played over three rounds, 54 holes, and will have a cut after the second day. Only the top five teams for the boys and girls will be eligible to play in the final round (third day) of the team event and the top 10 individual players from the boys and girls categories will participate in the third round.
Representing the UAE Girls team will be Aasiya Saleem, Hannah Allen, and Sara Ali. Sara is returning from studying and training abroad this last semester at the IMG Golf Academy in Florida, United States of America.
For the Boy’s Team, Rayan Ahmed will be leading the way assisted by Mohamad Skaik, Neyl Cherrat, and Abdulla Darwish. Be sure to stay tuned to the Emirates Golf Federation’s social media channels for daily updates.
Accompanying the National Team players is Director General Akram Skaik who had this to say before today’s practice round. “Summer is here, the Federation and players are excited for the upcoming months as we have several events that our boys and girls will be traveling to compete in. These experiences will only guide them through their journey as they look to play golf at the highest level. Good luck to all competitors in this year’s Selangor International Junior Golf Championship.”
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Selangor-International-Junior-Championship-.jpg7641083Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-06-12 04:46:552024-06-12 07:49:52UAE Girls & Boys Compete in 3rd Selangor International Junior Golf Championship
(United Arab Emirates, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) launched a new handicap software providing members an updated platform measuring golfers’ ability to compete on an equitable basis. On May 1st, 2024, the EGF launched the United States Golf Association Golf Handicap & Network System – USGA GHIN.
As the governing body of golf in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the EGF is sanctioned to manage and host the World Handicap System (WHS) which encompasses both the Rules of Handicapping and the Golf Course Rating System. To deliver this calculated algorithm for the EGF membership the federation has adopted the USGA GHIN software providing a new user-friendly, modern, and interactive Handicap System.
GHIN is one of the largest handicap management networks offered by the USGA to golf associations and federations across the world. GHIN will link EGF members to more than 2 million golfers and 15,000 golf clubs.
In addition to the kiosks at all UAE golf clubs, the GHIN App offers stat tracking, GPS, and other innovative features that will drive engagement and bring a more accurate handicap for golfers in the UAE.
Another exciting announcement from EGF is the discounted membership rates for EGF Direct Memberships. These rates have come into effect on June 1st. The EGF Membership offers the following benefits:
Official WHS handicap recognized worldwide.
Discounted green fees at UAE golf clubs.
Discounted F&B at selected golf clubs.
Play in events/competitions and receive awards.
Third-party and property damage golfer’s insurance.
Akram Skaik, the Director General of the Emirates Golf Federation had this to say about the new system. “As the governing of golf in the UAE we must provide golfers with the World Handicap System. By adapting the USGA GHIN software the EGF, UAE golf clubs, and members will have a platform that works together in a modern way. This new handicap software will also assist the UAE golf industry, providing solutions for policing members, tournament administration, and data collection. With GHIN we are more connected to our membership and the UAE golf clubs. We would like to thank the hard work from the club administrators for the quick transition and look forward to this new era of golf in the UAE”.
To gain more information about the EGF and UAE golf visit the EGF Website and Social Media pages listed.
The 29th Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup took place on the Faldo course of the Emirates Golf Club on Saturday, 18th May and saw a total of 40 Emirati golfers compete in a stable ford format to win the coveted trophy.
Shames Al Hashemi receiving his trophy from Ramesh Cidambi, COO along with Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing and General Abdullah Al Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation
The tournament was tightly contested, with Shames Al Hashemi declared the overall winner with 36 points. Shames had a great start to his back nine, where he made a gross birdie on Hole 10, which was then followed by a net eagle on Hole 14.
Narrowly edging out Al Hashemi were Rashed Al Emadi and Rayyan Al Maazmi, who both carded 35 points to become first and second runners-up, respectively. Rashed played consistently throughout his round, where he made net birdies on holes 14 and 16. While the highlight of Rayyan’s round came on the front nine, where he made a gross birdie on Hole 8.
Dubai Duty Free Chief Operating Officer, Ramesh Cidambi, along with Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing was joined by General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation at the prize presentation.
Commenting on the Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup, Ramesh Cidambi said: “Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all the participants who played today. We were pleased to have 10 junior golfers participate and to have several female golfers play. We are keen to grow this tournament, which marks its 30th anniversary next year. Thanks to Emirates Golf Club for their efforts in ensuring a great day was had by all.”
General Abdullah Alhashmi added, “The Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup is a highlighted event for the UAE national golf community every year. For almost three decades, Dubai Duty Free and the Emirates Golf Federation have worked together to encourage UAE nationals to play the sport of golf. On behalf of the Emirates Golf Federation, I would like to personally thank Mr. Colm McLoughlin for his hard work, support, and leadership in UAE Golf development. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and growing the game that we all love.”
In the Junior Division, Tariq Khoory won with 32 points. Tariq had a great finish to his round where he made three net birdies in his last five holes. In the Ladies Division, Aasiya Saleem won with 34 points after finishing strong with a net birdie on Hole 18.
In the Gross Division, Intissar Rich won with 37 points. Intissar had an incredible front nine where she shot a gross 33 which included birdies on Hole 3, 5 & the very difficult 6th hole.
Special on-course prizes were also given away to Darwish Al Qubaisi and Hannah Alan, winning Nearest the Pin Men (Hole 8) and Nearest the Pin Ladies (Hole 12), respectively. Shames Al Hashemi and Aasiya Saleem won the Longest Drive Men (Hole 16) and Longest Drive Ladies (Hole 5).
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shames-Al-Hashemi-receiving-his-trophy-from-Ramesh-Cidambi-COO-along-with-Sinead-El-Sibai-SVP-–-Marketing-and-General-Abdullah-Al-Hashmi-Vice-Chairman-of-the-Emirates-Golf-Federation.jpg17602492Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-05-22 08:47:022024-05-22 08:47:02Shames Al Hashemi Wins the 29th Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup
(Ajman, UAE) – On May 12, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation host the final round of the 2024 Order of Merit Championship at Al Zorah Golf Club. In a thrilling finish, both the Men’s and Ladies’ Divisions went to a playoff to crown the champions. 54 holes wasn’t enough for our two mains divisions as Dominic Morton won the Men’s Division and Jamie Camero won the Ladies’ Division.
EGF Order of Merit Championship & Season Winners
This weekend, 50 players took the course for the season-ending Order of Merit Championship. The final Championship counted toward the EGF overall Order of Merit season result holding double points towards the season results.
Dominic Morton and Viktor Kofod Olsen
The Men’s Division went to a one-hole playoff between Dominic Morton and Viktor Kofod Olsen. Securing the victory with a birdie on the first hole Morton was consistent all weekend with rounds of 73-71-72 for a 216 (even-par) for the championship.
There was another thrilling finish in the Ladies’ Division as Jamie Camero edged out Intissar Rich in a two-hole playoff. Both ladies are coming off a very strong season and look to continue their form over the summer representing the Emirates Golf Federation in several international professional and amateur championships in Europe.
The Junior Division was played in 36 holes, and there were both Boys and Girls Divisions. In the Boy’s Division, we saw a tight finish as Simon Astorm won by one stroke over Thomas Buchard. Astrom shot an impressive 2-under-par, 142 total for the championship.
Daul Kim was the outright winner in the Girls Division securing the Championship title by 6 strokes. Sophia Zbiri was the Running Up for the Girls Division.
During the event, Jay Mullane had a Hole-in-One on hole number 15.
This year‘s new format with double points for the championship counting towards the overall Order of Merit Season result gave the event more value. During the prize giving EGF Board Member Walid Al Attar, awarded both the Championship Winners and EGF Order of Merit Season winners their awards. Below are the results from the 2023-2024 Order of Merit Season.
Junior Girls Net
Runner Up: Lara Bakhour
Faye Al BlooshiChampion: Irum Kim
Junior Girls Gross
Runner Up: Aasiya Saleem
Champion: Daul Kim
Junior Boys Nett
Runner Up: George Pendleton Nash
Champion: Riccardo Bianchi
Junior Boys Gross
Jonathan Selvaraj
Runner Up Simon Astrom
Champion Aayan Dadabhoy
Ladies Nett
Runner Up: Ela Camurlu
Champion: Dr. Rabab Al Haj
Ladies Gross
Runner Up: Hannah Alan
Champion: Faye Al Blooshi
Men’sRunner Up: Viktor Kofod Olsen
Champion: Jonathan Selvaraj
CLICK HERE to see the full results for the season.
The Emirates Golf Federation would like to thank all of the UAE Golf Club for participating in the 2023-2024 Order of Merit. The 2023-2024 season is officially over. Be sure to follow the EGF on social media to see the latest news from UAe Golf.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_4950-scaled.jpg17072560Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-05-13 07:18:102024-05-14 05:18:53Playoff Finish for the EGF Order of Merit Championship
(Ajman, UAE) – On May 10-12, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is hosting the 2023-2024 Order of Merit Championship at Al Zorah Golf Club. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) best amateur golfers will compete to claim this overall season’s Order of Merit winner while battling for the Order of Merit Championship.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 18: Jonathan Selvaraj of UAE plays his tee shot on the 18th tee during day one of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 18, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
50 players will participate in the Order of Merit Championship which will count as double points towards the overall season EGF Order of Merit results. Al Zorah Golf Club a Nicklaus Design golf course known for its unique inland maingrove layout will surely be a test for the UAE golfers. Al Zorah is coming off hosting the first CLUTCH Tour event in the UAE. The Order of Merit Championship will be played over 54 holes for the Men’s and Ladies’ Division and 36 holes for the Junior Division of strokeplay. The event is registered under the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) point system as the EGF continues to create high-profile amateur events in the UAE.
FAYE AL BLOOSHI
Season-long participants in the Men’s Division, Jonathan Selvaraj, Oscar Craig, and Dan Byrne look to finish the season strong and in the Ladies’ Division Faye Al Balooshi will be heading into the weekend looking to hold off a strong field chasing for the Order of Meirt’s top prizes.
In the Junior Division, there will be a Boys and Girls category. Francisco Ronnqvist in the Boy’s Category and Daul Kim in the Girls’ Category will start the weekend leading their respective division. As the UAE continues to push junior golf, this weekend is an exciting way to cap off a great 2023-2024 season for these up-and-coming junior golfers.
To get updates on the Championship and Emirates Golf Federation head to www.egfgolf.com or follow the EGF on social media.
https://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JONATHAN-SELVARAJ-scaled.jpeg17072560Robert Fialahttps://egfgolf.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nav-logo-sm-300x118.pngRobert Fiala2024-05-09 05:12:112024-05-09 05:12:11UAE’s Best at Al Zorah for the 2023-24 Order of Merit Championship
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen held his nerve to secure a second Challenge Tour title in three events in the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 28: Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen of Denmark poses with the trophy following his victory of the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on April 28, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
The Dane began the final round of the Emirates Golf Federation co-promoted event three strokes behind overnight leader Wilco Nienaber but fired seven birdies on his way to a five-under-par final round of 67 to finish 14 under par for the week, one stroke ahead of Nienaber in second place.
The 24-year-old, who arrived in the UAE after clinching a maiden professional win at last month’s Kolkata Challenge, was delighted with how he played throughout the week to make sure of victory.
“I feel incredible,” he said. “I knew I had a chance going into today, but being able to put together a great round and get it done in the end feels amazing.
“I got off to a really good start in the first round, played pretty good in the second round, but I’m most proud of my third round. It was probably the best round of two under-par I’ve ever played.
“This is all still new to me. Right now I just want to enjoy this win.”
Neergaard-Petersen started the week in pole position on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and after recording a second win in three events, now sits in a commanding position after eight events of the 29-event season.
The Dane highlighted his hard work off the course during the off-season and an improvement in his driving as the key to his stellar form this year.
“I feel like I’ve made great strides over the winter break,” he added. “I’ve gone to more of a fade shape with the driver, and that’s really paid dividends.
“We’re definitely going to go out somewhere nice and have a nice dinner, that’s for sure.”
Englishman David Horsey finished in third place on 12 under par, while Dane Hamish Brown and Spaniard Joel Moscatel were one shot further back in a share of fourth.
Dubai amateur Oscar Craig, who had stepfather Tommy Fleetwood as his caddie all week, carded a respectable final round of 76 to place him on two over for the tournament in a share of 60th place.
The 17-year-old was the only amateur to make the cut, and is hopeful of a bright future after a fantastic performance at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
“I’ll do everything I can to try and play in as many of these as I can,” said Craig. “It’s been such a cool experience, everything about is has been brilliant. I’ve loved it and hopefully I can be here again.”
Neergaard-Petersen extends his lead at the top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings and now stands on 774.53, 303 points clear of Levy in second. Sweden’s Mikael Lindberg remains in third position on 431.77, with Englishman John Parry and Welshman Rhys Enoch rounding out the top five.
The Road to Mallorca takes a short break before heading to Spain for the Challenge De España at Real Club Sevilla Golf from May 9-12.
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(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – On April 26-28, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the 1st GCC Youth Games UAE 2024 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Along with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), nations of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, and Qatar had representing teams. Winning the Team Gold was UAE and winning the Individual Gold for the 2024 Youth Games was UAE’s Rayan Ahmed.
Gold Medal – United Arab Emirates, Silver Medal – Sultanate of Oman, Bronze Medal – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, President of the National Olympic Committee, and President of the First Gulf Youth Games, the Higher Committee for the event chaired by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee, the 1st GCC Youth Games UAE 2024 will host 3,500 male and female athletes, 36 individual and team sports through 41 sporting competitions during the period from April 16 to May 2. The slogan for the games “Our Gulf is one .. Our youth is promising” expresses the values of respect, equality, and fair play. These games aim to prepare the next generation of athletes in the region for the Olympics.
Team UAE, Gold, Silver and Bronze Individual Winners with EGF Chairman His Excellency Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, EGF Vice Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi, and Fares Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General UAE Olympic Committee
Rayan Ahmed, Mohammed Skaik, Rashid Al Jassmy, and Thomas Nesbitt represented the UAE Team and won the Gold Medal. Rayan led the way for Team UAE with rounds of 70-71-73 for a championship total of 214, 2 under par.. Mohammad Skaik won the Individual Silver Medal with rounds of 81-77-72, 12 over par. Rounding out the top three, and securing the clean sweep of the individual medals for the tournament was Thomas Nesbitt with rounds of 78-78-74, 14 over par.
Winning the Team Silver Medal was the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia won the Bronze medal for the games.
Following the event Vice Chairman, General Abdualla Alhashmi said, “It is always great to bring our brothers from the GCC together to compete. This is a sport that we all love and that we work collectively to try to develop within the region. Of course, we are proud of our team and these accomplishments but more importantly, we look forward to the future of the GCC Nations growing the game of golf. Lastly, I would like to thank our leadership at the United Arab Emirates Olympic Committee for organizing these Youth Games. These platforms will continue to push the next Olympians for the UAE.”
To find more informaiton on the 1st GCC Youth Games UAE 2024 visit the official website at www.uae2024.ae and follow the Emirates Golf Federation social media to keep up to date on the event and results.
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