Emirates Golf Federation Set to Host the 1st GCC Youth Games UAE 2024 in Abu Dhabi

                   

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – On April 26-28, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) will host 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 will have representing teams and individual boys competing for gold medals in their respective categories.

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.

During the Championship Committee meeting at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Nasser Belshalat, Head Deputy of the UAE National Olympic Team opened the event and selected the draw for the first round of play, starting tomorrow moring at 7:30 AM.

The 1st GCC Youth Games will be played over 54 holes (3 rounds) and will consist of just boys 18 years old or younger. Teams of four players will compete against each other, the best three scores from the team will count towards the team score per round. Both team and individual medals will be awarded to the top three players.

Representing the UAE Boys team will be Rayan Ahmed, Mohammed Skaik, Rashid Al Jassmy, and Thomas Nesbitt. These coming off the winning the Gold Medal in Qatar for the GCC Golf Championship.

Leading the way for UAE will Rayan Ahemd looking to continue his good form coming off a 5th place finish at the Optimas – JAGA International Series Order of Merit Championship and having rounds of 66-72 during the Abu Dhabi Challenge (Challenge Tour) event, missing the cut by 2 shot, at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club.

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.

 

Alex Levy seeking another strong week at the UAE Challenge

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Five-time DP World Tour winner Alex Levy is eager to maintain his momentum at Saadiayt Beach Golf Club for this week’s UAE Challenge (April 25-28), building on his impressive runner-up finish at the Abu Dhabi Challenge.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 21: Alexander Levy of France plays his tee shot on the 18th hole during day four of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 21, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

That result at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club was the Frenchman’s third consecutive top ten on the Challenge Tour this season after finishing tied for seventh and fourth during the Tour’s double-header in India last month.

Those impressive results have seen him surge to xxx on the 2024 Road to Mallorca Rankings, with Levy hoping for more of the same this week when the second edition of the UAE Challenge tees off on Thursday.

“I played well in Al Ain,” said Levy who entered yesterday’s final round tied for the lead with Wilco Nienaber and eventual winner Garrick Porteous, before finishing just one stroke back from the Englishman. “I had the chance, it was not my day yesterday but the game is looking good so that’s the most important thing.

“I’m looking forward to this week and it’s nice it’s good to have some results like this, especially as I didn’t practice a lot the last few weeks. To play like I did last week, during my first week back, it’s nice.”

The 33-year-old finished 126th in the Race to Dubai Rankings last year to narrowly miss out on retaining his playing rights on the DP World Tour but is seeking an immediate return through the Race to Mallorca Rankings, where the top 20 players will earn a card for golf’s Global Tour following the conclusion of the season.

“Challenge Tour gets bigger year after year,” said Levy, who last won on the DP World Tour in 2018 at the Trophée Hassan II.

“Two Challenge Tour graduates (Matteo Manaseero and Jesper Svensson) from last season have already won on the DP World Tour after just five months, which is great publicity for the Tour.

“There are some really good players out here, I’m happy to be competing against these youngsters to try and get full DP World Tour playing rights once again.”

Levy will be joined by a strong field this week at the Gary Player-designed masterpiece, including Abu Dhabi Challenge champion Porteous, 2015 Abu Dhabi Championship winner Gary Stal, and the UAE’s No.1 professional golfer Joshua Grenville-Wood.

A whole host of UAE-based amateurs and professionals will also be competing thanks to co-promoter, the Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) long-term partnership with the European Tour group, which aims to develop golf in the UAE for at least the next decade.

As part of that agreement, the EGF received 60 invitations across last week’s Abu Dhabi Challenge and the UAE Challenge to help create playing opportunities and provide a pathway for UAE golfers. Local amateurs featuring this week include UAE National Team players Ahmad Skaik, the country’s No.1 amateur, Sam Mullane, and Jonathan Selvaraj.

Akram Skaik, Director General of the EGF, recently expressed the importance of allowing UAE players to compete against the game’s star names in elite-level competition, which is something Levy agrees with, having witnessed the growth of the game in the UAE over the years.

“I think it’s a nice initiative,” said Levy, who first played in the UAE at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Championship.

“I know the UAE does a lot of things to push golf, as the game is massive here. I think it’s nice to see some young kids come to play in these two events and compete against the pros. It’s a great experience for them.

“I practice a lot in Dubai, especially during the winter break – the ranges are always busy and golf courses are always full, it’s tough to find a tee time.

“The last few months, I’ve been practicing at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, where there were loads of young kids using the facilities. It’s great to see that and hopefully, we’ll see plenty more in the future, who will go on to become good players.”

Golf fans are encouraged to come along to the UAE Challenge, which is supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Phoenix Capital, and Al Laith to see Levy, Skaik, Grenville-Wood, and the stars of tomorrow in action with entry free of charge and no ticket required.

Dubai-resident Porteous wins Abu Dhabi Challenge

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Dubai-resident Garrick Porteous put together a flawless final round of 63 to take the spoils at the Abu Dhabi Challenge as a 24 under par total saw him finish one shot clear of Frenchman Alexander Levy.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 21: Garrick Porteous (C) of England poses with the trophy following his victory of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 21, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

The Englishman, who had shared the overnight lead with Levy and South Africa’s Wilco Nienaber, carded seven birdies on the final day at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club to secure his second Challenge Tour title – and his first in seven years – having moved to Dubai last September.

“It feels amazing”, said the 34-year-old, whose last professional win came at the Prague Golf Challenge in 2017. “It was a good battle out there with some great players – Alex played amazing from start to finish.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 21: Garrick Porteous of England poses with the trophy following his victory of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 21, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

“You always doubt whether another win will come, but I feel like my game is trending in the right direction. I’ve made plenty of cuts recently, I just needed to get it over the line, like I did today.”

Porteous cited his experience of playing regularly in the UAE conditions as a key to his victory this week.

“To win on home soil is great, I’ve loved every minute of this week,” he said. “I’m used to the weather conditions, the heat, the grass type, and the speed of the greens. It definitely helped in the situations this week.

“I know I can play on both the Challenge Tour and the DP World Tour now, and I’m really looking forward to playing in Saadiyat next week.”

Dane Nicolai Kristensen finished in third position on 22 under par, while Scotland’s Euan Walker matched the course record by carding a sensational ten under par final round of 60 to climb into fourth alongside South African Oliver Bekker and Irishman Connor Purcell on 20 under.

England’s Bradley Bawden, Frenchman Félix Mory and Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen finished in a tie for seventh on 19 under par, while Frenchman Pierre Pineau, South African Deon Germishuys, and Swede Joakim Lagergren finished a shot further back in a share of tenth.

Neergaard-Petersen climbs to the top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings on 454 points, while Levy moves into second place on 431 points. Sweden’s Mikael Lindberg is eight points behind in third, while Englishman John Parry and Welshman Rhys Enoch round out the top five.

The Road to Mallorca now heads to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club for the UAE Challenge, which is supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Phoenix Capital and Al Laith, from April 25-28, where entry for spectators is free of charge, with no ticket required.

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Emerged as the Winners of the Golf Sixes League

The Grand Final of the Abu Dhabi took place under the lights at the Yas Acres Golf Club on Saturday 20 April. Novice juniors from golf clubs across Abu Dhabi were joined by those from the Emirates Golf Federation for a fun evening of competition. Playing across just six short holes, seven teams of six, paired up to compete in a two-ball Texas Scramble stroke play format. The best two scores of the teams’ three pairs count towards their overall score.

 

After a fantastic evening of fun and good sportsmanship the team from Abu Dhabi City Golf Club emerged as the winners of Round four.

Following four rounds of the Golf Sixes League which commenced back in January, congratulations to Abu Dhabi City Golf Club who were crowned Overall Champions.

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Overall Champions

“Golf Sixes has been so fun! Playing golf with my friends and as a team was cool. I really want to play again next time!,” said Kristoff Davidson a ten year old golfer from Abu Dhabi City   Golf Club.  

“Kristoff has loved participating in Golf Sixes. The way the programme is designed, with the kids playing in teams, has really helped get them excited to play golf and made the whole experience less intimidating. Across the season you could see the kids golf improve and now my son is wanting to play more and more, ” said Kristoff’s Dad, Andrew Davidson. 

 

Golf Sixes League is a development initiative, supported by The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation,  which introduces young people to golf in a fun and inclusive environment, along with an added competitive element.  Our thanks to all the stakeholders including our host venues, Yas Links GC, Abu Dhabi City GC, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and GC and Yas Acres GC, Team Managers, Golf Genius, Confederation of Professional Golf and Pro Sports International.

 

Round Four Results:

1st           Abu Dhabi City Golf Club:                     +5

2nd         Yas Links Golf Club:                                +8 (on countback)

3rd          Saadiyat Beach Golf Club:                   +8

Nearest the Pin prize winners:   Kristoff Davidson and Aaradyha Sharma

 

Final Overall Golf Sixes League Table:

1st          Abu Dhabi City Golf Club:                                                50pts

2nd         Saadiyat Beach Golf Club:                                              38pts

3rd          Yas Links Golf Club:                                                             35pts

4th         Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club:                 30pts

5th         Yas Acres Golf Club:                                                            26pts

6th         Emirates Golf Federation:                                                 17pts

7th         Abu Dhabi Golf Club:                                                           16pts

Gupta and Jing Win Inaugural Optimas-JAGA International Series – Order of Merit Championship in the UAE

(Al Ain, UAE) – On April 12-14, 2024, the Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA) and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the inaugural Optimas-JAGA International Series – Order of Merit Championship at the Al-Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. The three-day, World Amateur Golf Ranking event showcased a strong field of junior golf talent. Winning the overall championship was Natalii Gupta and Shijun Jing.

Inaugural Optimas-JAGA International Series – Order of Merit Championship in the UAE

Sanctioned by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), JAGA has created the Optimas – JAGA International Series Order of Merit, which will provide affiliated associations and tournament operators the highest level of competition for elite student-golfers across Asia Pacific and Africa. This development pathway will offer amateur golfers strong competition while collecting World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

The inaugural championship featured an impressive lineup of 11 WAGR-ranked players and two NCAA Division 1 commits who will be joining the prestigious Duke University golf program. The field had players from 24 different countries that represented 16 different golf associations. Along with an overall leaderboard, categories and age groups were created ensuring a comprehensive platform for young golfers to showcase their skills.

Winners received the opportunity to experience ‘The JAGA Way’ at the Junior Asian Golf Academy campus – Black Mountain, Hua Hin, Thailand for 3, 5, or 7 days this summer along with prizes worth $85,000 in total including bursaries.

Congratulations to the winners of each division:

Natalii Gupta and Shijun Jing – Overall Champions

Girls Division:

Girls U13: Erum Kim (+21)

Girls U15: Suritpreeya Praksanubal (+7)

Girls U18: Lavanya Gupta (+4)

Girls U23: Natalii Gupta (-1, Champion)

 

Boys Division:

Boys U13: Salem Alabdallat (+11)

Boys U15: Kartik Singh (-12)

Boys U18: Shijun Jing (-15, Champion)

Boys U23: Oliver Mukherjee (-10)

 

This inaugural event in the Optimas-JAGA International Series sets the stage for an exciting future, with over 25 events planned from September to April. The championship event is set to return to Al Ain around the same time next year, promising even more thrilling golf action.

John Laroche, Founder of JAGA had this to say following the championship. “In partnership with APGC and EGF, Optimas-JAGA International Series is set to showcase the top junior golfers in the Asia Pacific, rewarding them with global recognition and establishing them as the best in the region. We encourage all juniors within UAE, MENA, and Asia Pacific to not miss your chance to compete and make your mark on the international stage.”

JAGA is the first combined tier 1 North American High School learning program (through Northern Pre-University – NPU), a full-time golf training program delivered by an in-house international PGA Coach, and complete housing accommodation in the region. JAGA is a complete learning and training facility for elite student golfers trying to make it to the next level in their golfing career.

“It is our goal at the Emirates Golf Federation to provide junior golfers an opportunity to showcase their talents. JAGA and this Order of Merit will do that. With the support of the APGC and Arab Golf Federation, we now can identify the best junior golfers in the region. We also look forward to opening the first JAGA academy in the Middle East, which will allow students to learn, train, and compete”, said Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman and APGC Board Member General Abdullah Alhashmi.

The inaugural Optimas-JAGA International Series – Order of Merit Championship held at the Al-Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club was sponsored by Optimas.ai, BFG, the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, Agency Recruit, E Golf Megastore, and the Emirates Golf Federation. Through these partnerships JAGA was able to elevate the event to new heights, making the first event of the series a great success.

For more information about upcoming events and registration details, please visit j-aga.com.

UAE Challenge Tour double-header helping develop homegrown players

              

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Akram Skaik, Director General at the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), has expressed the importance of the partnership between the European Tour group and the EGF in helping develop UAE players, with the EGF set to receive 60 invites across two Challenge Tour events in Abu Dhabi this month.

Joshua Grenville-Wood in action at last month’s Delhi Challenge

The UAE’s golf stars are set to compete with a plethora of the game’s rising talents and DP World Tour winners when the Abu Dhabi Challenge (April 18-21) returns for its second edition next week at Al Ain, Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, before Saadiyat Beach Golf Club completes the double-header when hosting the UAE Challenge from April 25-28.

As part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the EGF, which aims to develop golf in the UAE for at least the next decade, each tournament will allocate 30 invites to the EGF to help create playing opportunities and provide a pathway for UAE golfers.

A whole host of the UAE’s homegrown players featured across the two events last season, including the country’s No.1 amateur golfer Ahmad Skaik, his brother Mohammad, as well as fellow UAE Nationals Khalifa Al Masaood, Rashid Al Jassmy, Rashed Al Emadi, and the UAE’s first ever professional golfer Ahmed Al Musharrekh.

In addition to the UAE Nationals, several UAE residents were also given the opportunity to compete, with local golf coach Louis Gaughan securing his spot by winning the Emirates PGA Championship and Joshua Grenville-Wood selected as an invitee to both tournaments, where he finished in a share of second and 18th respectively.

“This is the second year of the Challenge Tour double header in Abu Dhabi,” said Akram Skaik, Director General at the Emirates Golf Federation.

“It’s such a good opportunity for us as a federation as we get 30 invites into each event, which allows us to give our players the opportunity to play in these elite tournaments.”

As well as giving local players vital experience of playing world class tournaments in Abu Dhabi, the EGF are able to swap some of their allocation with other international federations to allow UAE players to compete in other Challenge Tour events around the world, as well as Ladies European Tour (LET) tournaments for the country’s leading female talents.

Both Ahmad Skaik and Grenville-Wood used these to their advantage last season, with Skaik competing in four further Challenge Tour events, while Grenville-Wood, who was awarded the opportunity to represent the UAE last year, played in an additional ten tournaments on the 2023 Road to Mallorca.

Before a ball has even been struck at this year’s Challenge Tour double-header in the UAE, the EGF has already been busy exchanging invites with international federations.

Grenville-Wood came close to a first win on the Challenge Tour last month at the Delhi Challenge, finishing in a share of second at Classic Golf & Country Club after the EGF traded one of their invitations with the Indian Golf Union.

“This year, we’ve exchanged spots with around seven federations across the world and we’ve also given several LET spots to our girls,” added Skaik.

“We’re using our full allocation to support our players – it’s a great opportunity for us.

“It allows players to experience different events and courses all over the world. The courses we have here in the UAE are quite open, whereas in Europe they have narrow fairways and forests around the course.

“Last year was a bit of an experimental year for us with exchanging our invites with other federations, but this year we have handpicked the events we want our players to go and play.

“I don’t think any other federation has the opportunity that we have. It’s a great initiative.”

Freddie Schmeisser, Head of Championships, DP World Tour Middle East, added:

“Thirty invites into each tournament are available for the EGF and they can also trade these with other federations around the globe, giving UAE players the opportunity to compete in the likes of France, Germany and Italy on the Road to Mallorca schedule.

“The EGF are our partners, and we want to help them grow the game. We’re very proud to be in the UAE and of course we want to give back to the local golf community. A long-term goal for both of us is to see a player from the UAE compete at the Olympics.”

Golf fans are encouraged to come along to both events, which are supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Phoenix Capital and Al Laith to see Skaik, Grenville-Wood and the stars of tomorrow in action with entry free of charge and no ticket required.

EGF Host 130 Golfers for the March National Monthly Match at Yas Links

(Yas Island, UAE) – On March 2, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the March Monthly Match and the Future Falcons Par 3 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi supported by eGolf Megastore and GOLFTEC. This month’s event hosted 78 EGF Direct Members and UAE Nationals in the main event and 52 upcoming junior golfers in the Par 3 competition.

EGF’s Future Falcons Par 3 March Winners

Winning the Men’s Stableford Division with 38 points was Omar Thabit and placing Second with 35 points was Joshua Stanford. The Men’s Gross winner was David Pendleton-Nash, shooting a solid 75, three-over for the day.

In the Men’s Senior Division for players, 50 years old and above, Kevin Barrett. won the First Place prize after a countback with 41 points, and Anton Theron won the Second Place prize with 39 points.

In the Ladies Division, the Stableford winner was Pansy Gonsalvez with 36 points.

For the Junior Stableford Division, Alessa Chang won with 33 points and Sebastian Cook was the Runner Up with 32 points

There were also On Course Challenges during the event. Sponsored by GOLFTEC players had the opportunity to “Beat the Pro”. GOLFTEC has a mission to help people play better golf using state-of-the-art technology and fact-based instruction. Hosted by Sales, Operations, and Golf Professional Darragh Morrissey on hole No. 8 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the winner was John Smith.

Winning the Ladies’ Longest Drive on Hole No. 2 was Pansy Gonsalvez and winning the Men’s Longest Drive on Hole No. 18 was Darwish Al Qubaisi.

Alongside, the Monthly Match the EGF also hosted the 52 golfers for the Future Falcons Par 3 on the executive course at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This feature of the National Monthly Match has grown throughout the season and has been supported by The R&A as part of the National Junior Development Program and community engagement.

During the Par 3 event, there were four different divisions, two for the boys and two for the girls. Winning the 9 Hole Par 3 Girls Division was Aayra Ganguly with 37 strokes. Winning the 6 Hole Par 3 Girls Division was Alreem Almheiri firing a 23.

For the boys in the Par 3 event winning the 9 Hole Division was Aarav Ganguly shooting a score of 30. Winning the 6 Hole Par 3 Boys Division was Essa Fahad Bin Redha firing a 21.

The EGF would like to thank the host club Al Ain Golf Club for their hard work and contribution to this month’s events. Stay tuned to the EGF social media channels and website for local news and upcoming tournaments around the UAE.

EGF and JAGA Partner with APGC to bring Optimas – JAGA International Series and Order of Merit to UAE, for Juniors and U23s

(Dubai, UAE) – Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA) are excited to announce the launch of the Optimas-JAGA International Series and Order of Merit, supported by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC).

Kartik Singh – JAGA student and Champion of the Asian Junior Masters 2024 at Black Mountain Golf Club

Designed to provide student-athletes in Asia and Africa with more opportunities to compete in world-class events without the burden of extensive travel, the Optimas-JAGA International Series will consist of over 25 events in various Asia Pacific countries.

The Series will kick off at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Golf Club from April 11-14, 2024.

John Laroche, CEO and Founder of the Junior Asian Golf Academy had this to say, “JAGA would like to thank the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation and Emirates Golf Federation for partnering with JAGA and understanding our vision. As junior golf continues to rapidly develop in the region we feel that it is important to provide players with the platform to compete and gain exposure for the next level. We would also like to thank Optimas for their generous support with the International Series which will be a springboard for these student-athletes.

“We at the Emirates Golf Federation look forward to working alongside JAGA and the different opportunities that they provide for the region. The International Series event in April will give the top players across the Asia Pacific and Africa an opportunity to showcase their talent,” said Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman, General Abdullah Alhashmi.

Interested participants are encouraged to reach out to their local association for more information, or send your applications to events@j-aga.com

Tournament entry applications and bursary applications are due by March 22, 2024.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your talents and further your golfing career on an international level.

For more information and to stay updated on the JAGA International Series, please visit www.juniorasiangolfacademy.com.

Boys Win Gold & Men Win Silver at GCC Golf Championships

(Doha, Qatar) – On February 29 through March 3, 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Men’s and 18 & Under National Teams competed in the 2024 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Golf Championship at Doha Golf Club. Team UAE won the Gold Medal in the 15th edition of the Boys 18 & Under Championship and the Silver Medal in the 26th edition of the Men’s Championship.

UAE National Men’s and Boys’ 18 & Under Teams at the 2024 GCC Golf Championships in the State of Qatar

The UAE Boys 18 & Under team dominated the competition winning by 54 shots. Leading the way for the boys’ team was Rayan Ahmed. Rayan also captured the Individual Gold Medal in the category shooting round of 75-76-72 for a championship total of 223 (7-over-par).

Rayan and Mohammad receiving their Individual Medals

Mohamad Skaik won the Individual Silver Medal only four shots back and rounding out the boys’ team was Rashid Al Jassmy who placed fourth in the individual category. The Sultanate of Oman won the Silver Medal and the Kingdom of Bahrain won the Bronze Medal in the Boys 18 & Under Division.

Representing the Men’s UAE team and winning the Team Silver Medal were Sam Mullane, Thomas Nesbitt, Ahmad Skaik Jonathan Selvaraj. The Men’s Championship was played over four rounds with the top three scores from the team contributing per round. The team finished strong after battling windy conditions in the first two rounds and finding themselves in fourth place after the third round but after final rounds of a 74 from Sam, a 77 from Jonathan, and a 79 from Thomas team UAE edged out the State of Qatar by one stroke.

“I am proud of the way our teams competed this weekend”, said National Team Coach, Faycal Serghini. “The conditions were tough but our players showed a lot of consistency and poise. We will use this to continue to build”, Coach Serghini added.

Winning the Team Gold Medal in the Men’s Division was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the State of Qatar won the Bronze Medal. The winning score for the Individual Men’s category was 78-72-71-76, 9-over-par, shot by Khalid Attieh from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In addition to Coach Serghini, traveling with the UAE National Team were Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman, General Abdullah Alhashmi, Secretary General, Khalid Al Shamsi, and Director General, Akram Skaik.

To receive regular updates on EGF news, be sure to follow the Emirates Golf Federation on all social media platforms.

EGF Website: www.egfgolf.com

EGF Facebook: Emirates Golf Federation

EGF Twitter: @EGFuaegolf

EGF Instagram: emiratesgolffederation

EGF LinkedIn: Emirates Golf Federation (EGF)

Men’s and 18 & Under National Teams set for 2024 GCC Golf Championship in the State of Qatar

(Doha, Qatar) – From February 29 through March 3, 2024, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) will be sending the Men’s and 18 & Under National Teams to compete in the 2024 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Golf Championship at Doha Golf Club. This will be the 26th edition of the Men’s Championship and the 15th edition of the 18 & Under Championship.

Ahmad Skaik

Representing the Men’s UAE team will be National Team Captain, Ahmad Skaik, alongside him will  Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Thomas Nesbitt. For the 18 & Under UAE team Mohamad Skaik, Rashid, Al Jassmy, and Rayan Ahmed will be competing.

 

The Men’s Championship will be played over four rounds with the top three scores from the team contributing per round. The Boys 18 & Under competition will be played over three rounds with the top two scores per round, contributing to the teams’ overall results.

Doha Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by the legendary Middle East course architect Peter Harradine. Being one of the first grass golf courses ever built in the Middle East, Doha Golf Club has hosted many prestigious events in the region, including the DP World Tour’s Qatar Masters.

Traveling with the teams will be EGF Vice Chairman General  Abdullah Alhashmi, Secretary General, Khalid Al Shamsi, Director General, Akram Skaik, and National Team Head Coach, Faycal Serghini.

Rashid Al Jassmy, General AlHashmi, Mohammad Skaik

General Alhashmi had this to say in preparation for the championship. “The Federation has spared no effort in providing all means of success for its players in preparation for this championship. We have raised the levels of training and high-performance competitions to prepare our players. It is our goal to bring home the top prizes at this year’s GCC Golf Championship.

To receive regular updates on this championship and all EGF news, be sure to follow the Emirates Golf Federation on all social media platforms.

EGF Website: www.egfgolf.com

EGF Facebook: Emirates Golf Federation

EGF Twitter: @EGFuaegolf

EGF Instagram: emiratesgolffederation

EGF LinkedIn: Emirates Golf Federation (EGF)