Mullane and Mateiu shine at Cedars Golf Championship
The Lebanese Golf Federation, in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation, hosted the inaugural Cedars Championship at Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club in Ajman.
66 amateur golfers took to the course competing for World Amature Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, Arab Golf Series points, and a spot in the upcoming HotelPlanner Tour event – UAE Challenge at Al Zorah.
The tournament was played over 54 holes, with an 18-hole Stableford format for the final round. Winning the men's Division following a six-hole playoff was UAE national team player Sam Mullane.
The exciting playoff was between Mullane and fellow EGF members Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne. There was a lot to play for as the winner received a Sponsors Invite to the upcoming HotelPlanner Tour event next week at Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club.
With Sam winning the Championship (who is already playing in next week's HotelPlanner Tour event) and given the high level of competition and sportsmanship, the Emirates Golf Federation granted both Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne exemptions into next week's event for their second-place finish.
Winning the Ladies Division was Anca Mateiu, who fired impressive rounds of 65-68-73 for a championship total of 217, 10-under-par.
Winning the Junior Division was Daniil Sokolov, who shot one-under-par for the championship. Daniil was nine shots clear of the runner-up and was also granted a spot in next week's HotelPlanner Tour event.
During the prize presentation that was attended by EGF Chairman, Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and Vice Chairman, General Abdullah Alhashmi, the President of the Lebanese Golf Federation, Karim Salaam, expressed the importance of the brotherhood and sportsmanship that was on display this week in the UAE.
'It is important for countries to stand with other countries and although Lebanon is going through difficult times, we can use sport to be a vehicle of diplomacy.
'Thank you to the Emirates Golf Federation and to our brothers and sisters in the UAE for this opportunity. We look forward to continuing to use this championship to accomplish more than just the development of golf,' said Salaam.
The championship saw players from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, UAE, as well as EGF members and UAE residents. It was the second event of the recently announced Arab Golf Series organized by the Arab Golf Federation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Rising stars set to showcase their skills at JAGA International Amateur Open in Al Ain
The Emirates Golf Federation calendar heats up this week with the JAGA International Amateur Open, set to take place from 23–25 May at the scenic Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. Organized under the banner of the Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA), the event is part of a broader vision to nurture the next generation of elite golfers in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region. Branded as "The Future of Junior Golf," the JAGA International Series – Order of Merit is more than just a tournament—it's a pathway for rising stars to develop their skills and gain global exposure. Though this particular event is not part of the Emirates Golf Federation's Order of Merit, it is sanctioned by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and will feature top amateur golfers—both men and women.- from the UAE and beyond. With valuable ranking points at stake, a competitive and talented field is expected to take to the Al Ain greens. The tournament will be played over three shotgun rounds, with starts scheduled for 8:00 AM on May 23, 2:00 PM on May 24, and 7:30 AM on May 25. The Al Ain course will offer a stern yet rewarding test, with its strategic layout, desert surroundings, and pristine playing conditions. The JAGA program, which began in September 2024 and concludes in June 2025, blends elite golf training with hybrid academic learning. This flexible structure supports student-athletes who travel frequently for tournaments while offering a wide choice of curricula. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue their ambitions across the NCAA, Europe, Canada and Australia or other internationally ranked education systems. With just three days before the first tee-off, the anticipation is building for a showcase of emerging talent and a weekend of high-calibre amateur golf.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE stars tee up for glory in Korea after thrilling Dugasta final showdown
The journey that began months ago across the UAE's premier golf courses throughout the Emirates, reached its thrilling conclusion last weekend as the Dugasta Race to Korea National Final unfolded at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. The stakes were high, the competition fierce, and the prize — a chance to represent the UAE at the prestigious World Amateur Golfers Championship in Jeju Island, South Korea in October-November this year. After 18 fiercely contested qualifying rounds over 1,000 hopefuls were whittled down to an elite field for the grand finale. The National Final brought together the very best amateur golfers in the country, divided into five handicap categories — each player hoping to seal their place on the international stage. In Division 1 (0–5.4 handicap), Dhruv Nair of Dubai Creek Golf Club delivered a composed round of net 71, finishing atop the leaderboard. Neil Maidment from Sharjah produced the day's best score — a superb net 66 — to win Division 2 (5.5–10.4 handicap). Irfan Izhar matched Nair's total with a net 71 to secure Division 3 (10.5–15.4 handicap), while Neil Mitchell of The Els Club matched the same score to triumph in Division 4 (15.5–20.4 handicap). Rounding off the winners, Ivan Kraemer from Emirates Golf Club posted a steady net 75 to take top honours in Division 5 (20.5–25.4 handicap). These five golfers — each a reflection of skill and determination — have now earned the honour of representing the UAE at the World Amateur Golfers Championship in Jeju Island where they will compete against players from over 40 countries. Organised by Sport2Business Events, the Dugasta Race to Korea series has not only showcased the rising standard of golf in the UAE but also brought the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and competition. The season long tournament is sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). Russell Yeomans, promoter of the 2025 Race to Korea, commented, "This event at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, is the culmination of our 2025 season. Congratulations to the five Divisional champions for their scores. "It has been a long season for all, but we feel the participation levels have been so much higher this season, especially at the end of the calendar. Thanks to all the golf clubs, and the Emirates Golf Federation for everyone's support. "We are especially happy with the scoring levels. Looking at the overall final results it seems that we gave everyone the chance to participate and qualify – that is the difficult part of organizing a countrywide event involving so many players of varying handicap levels' 'We are proud of the UAE team we have assembled," Yeomans added. "Attention now focuses to Jeju Island, for the World Final. We are all looking forward to what will be a very special week." 'As part of the Sport2Business portfolio, we have attended previous World Finals at various venues.' Around 47 countries will be competing this year – it really is a Bucket-List event,' concluded Yeomans. From Abu Dhabi to Ajman, the series inspired newcomers and seasoned players alike — proving that golf's grassroots in the UAE are alive, thriving, and gaining global momentum. As the UAE's five champions prepare for their South Korean adventure on an all-expenses paid 7-day golfing extravaganza, the spotlight now shifts to Jeju Island, where dreams of global glory await — and the next chapter in their golfing journeys begins. UAE winners heading to Jeju Island:
Sharjah 24
11-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
UAE wins 5 medals at Arab Golf Championship in Cairo
Successful participation in a competitive field Organised by the Arab Golf Federation and overseen by the Egyptian Golf Federation, the championship featured 120 players from 12 countries. The event concluded today in Egypt, marking another milestone for UAE golf. Women's team shines with team and individual medals The UAE women's team—Sara Ali, Hana Cheryl, and Intesar Al Reesh—earned the silver medal in the team competition, finishing with a score of 13 over par. In the individual competition, Hana Cheryl won silver with a score of 7 over par, and Sara Ali captured bronze with 9 over par. Strong showing from U-18 youth team The UAE Under-18 youth team claimed second place overall with a score of 37 over par. Rashid Al Naqbi earned a bronze medal in the individual event, scoring 11 over par. Valuable experience for U-16 and U-13 participants The U-16 junior team—featuring Mohammed Thabet, Abdullah Darwish, and Abdullah Salmeen—finished eighth in their first Arab Championship appearance. In the U-13 singles category, Zayed Ali finished fourteenth, gaining valuable experience for future competitions. Emirates Golf Federation praises performance and preparation Major General (Ret.) Abdullah Al Sayed Al Hashemi, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation, highlighted the significance of these results, noting the participation of nine players across three age categories. He credited the continuous development efforts , team spirit, and the support from technical and administrative staff as key factors behind the success. Acknowledgment of organisers and federation support Al Hashemi also expressed appreciation to the Arab Golf Federation and the Egyptian Golf Federation for the championship's outstanding organisation and extended his gratitude for fostering a positive environment for regional golf development.
