Building bridges from Augusta to Dubai: A new chapter for amateur golf begins
From April 7th to 13th, 2025, the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club played host to more than just golf's greatest players. Amid the Masters Tournament's 89th edition, General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), was on a mission—representing the UAE and preparing for a pivotal moment in amateur golf.
General Alhashmi's visit was far more than ceremonial. Alongside EGF Board Member Mustafa Al Hashimi and Dubai Golf CEO Chris May, he took part in a milestone Masters, witnessing Rory McIlroy finally don the iconic green jacket and complete the elusive career Grand Slam.
'It was a weekend that I will remember for a very long time. The level of excellence not only on the golf course but also around the property of Augusta National, has certainly left an impression on me to bring back to the UAE. I am glad that I got to witness the tradition like any other,' said General Alhashmi.
'During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with Chairman Ridley to discuss preparation for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, as well as the impact that the UAE has had on amateur golf.'
During his time at Augusta, General Alhashmi engaged in key discussions with Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley, focusing on Dubai's preparations to host the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC)—a tournament that not only crowns the region's top amateur but also grants its winner a golden ticket to the following year's Masters.
Adding to the prestige of his visit, General Alhashmi also attended the Green Jacket Ceremony held at the 18th green, marking an unforgettable capstone to a week steeped in tradition and vision.
The UAE will officially host the 16th AAC at Emirates Golf Club from October 23–26, 2025, in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), Dubai Golf, and Augusta National Golf Club. The AAC was founded to spotlight the region's emerging talent, giving 120 top male amateurs from 42 APGC member organizations a stage to shine—and a chance to compete at the Masters.
This was first confirmed in October 2024 during an announcement in Japan, where APGC Chairman Taimur Hassan Amin shared his enthusiasm for the UAE's selection:
'We have a proud tradition of hosting the AAC at world-class venues and we are continuing to do that by hosting the 2025 edition in the UAE at the Emirates Golf Club, strengthening our relationship with the UAE and Middle East region.'
As the curtain falls on the 2024/2025 UAE golf season—with back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events and the EGF Order of Merit Championship next weekend—the Emirates Golf Federation continues to build momentum. This year's Masters wasn't just about history being made—it was about the future being forged.
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