Emirates Golf Federation Reinforces Commitment To Developing Homegrown Talent At Uae Challenge
Part of the HotelPlanner Tour, the UAE Challenge is not just another tournament—it's a proving ground for the UAE's next generation of elite golfers. The EGF is leveraging the event to offer valuable international exposure to Emirati and UAE-based players, placing them side-by-side with top rising stars from across the world.
'This event is more than just a tournament—it's a launchpad for local players to take their next step,' said General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation. 'By hosting world-class events like the UAE Challenge, we are not only promoting the UAE's credentials as a leading golf destination but also directly supporting the future of Emirati golf.'
Among the UAE's top contenders is national team standout Ahmad Skaik, who recently made headlines by winning individual gold at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship with a phenomenal -18 under par. Skaik will be joined by teammates Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rayan Ahmed, who together clinched the team gold by a record 38 strokes—underscoring the rapid development of golf in the Emirates.
The UAE Challenge will also welcome standout amateurs like Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne, both earning tournament exemptions after tying for second in the inaugural Cedars Championship. As top local performers, their inclusion further signals the EGF's commitment to fostering local success stories.
In a demonstration of regional unity, players from the Arab Golf Federation, including Qatar's Daniil Sokolov and Saleh Al Kaabi, are also set to compete. The field will be further enriched by entries from club professionals representing top UAE golf institutions, such as Jackson Bell (Tommy Fleetwood Academy), Craig Howie (Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club), and Damien Scott (Al Hamra Golf Club).
International federation trades have also enabled participation from National Team amateurs around the globe, including representatives from the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) —further enhancing the competitive calibre of the event.
This week's tournament forms a core part of the EGF's broader development agenda, which includes grassroots training, international exposure, and elite-level support, in close collaboration with the DP World Tour and The R&A.
Following the UAE Challenge, the Abu Dhabi Challenge will take place at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club from April 17–20. Both events are supported by Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore, with additional backing for the Abu Dhabi leg from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Department of Culture and Tourism.
'Through events like the UAE Challenge, we are giving our players the stage, the tools, and the belief to dream bigger—and to realise those dreams,' said Alhashmi.
General admission is free for fans attending both the UAE Challenge and the upcoming Abu Dhabi Challenge.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
13-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Cargo airline boosts racing
TDT | Manama Texel Air has renewed its gold sponsorship of the Bahrain Turf Series for another three seasons, cementing its role in powering Bahrain's equestrian ambitions through specialised air cargo support. The agreement was signed in the United Kingdom during the Newmarket July Festival, which saw Bahrain sponsor all three Group races on the card. The deal extends Texel Air's partnership with the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Court of the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Club's High Committee. Strategic support Yusuf Buheji, Chief Executive Officer of REHC, called the renewed sponsorship a strategic collaboration that aligns with Bahrain's aspirations to become a global hub for horseracing. 'Texel Air's continued support reflects a shared belief in the potential of racing in the Kingdom,' Buheji said. 'Partnerships like this are vital to the sport's growth and to positioning Bahrain as an international racing destination.' He also noted Texel's broader contributions to Bahrain's logistics sector and expressed confidence in the sustained impact of the partnership over the next three seasons. Aligned ambitions George Chisholm, Executive Director of Texel Air, described the sponsorship as a natural fit, given the airline's growing focus on equine transportation. 'The Bahrain Turf Series has made impressive strides over the past four years. We are proud to support its continued growth,' Chisholm said. 'This partnership highlights our commitment to national sectors like sport and reinforces our dedication to the Kingdom's broader ambitions.' He added that Texel Air's role in transporting horses and equipment across borders makes it uniquely positioned to contribute to the success of international racing events in Bahrain. Rising profile Launched in 2021, the Bahrain Turf Series has quickly gained global recognition, attracting entries from leading racing nations during Bahrain's winter season. Alongside events such as the Bahrain International Trophy and the King's Cup, the series anchors Bahrain's international racing calendar. Texel Air, a Bahrain-based cargo airline and MRO provider, plays a critical role in supporting the logistical backbone behind the country's sporting and economic ambitions. The renewed deal highlights how aviation and equestrian sectors are working in tandem to advance Bahrain's global standing in both logistics and sport.
Daily Tribune
09-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Wimbledon Line-Calling System Under Scrutiny After Costly Glitch
TDT | Manama Wimbledon's new fully automated line-calling system came under intense scrutiny on Sunday after a high-profile error disrupted a round-of-16 clash on Centre Court, sparking fresh criticism over the tournament's decision to eliminate human line judges. The controversy unfolded during Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova's match against Britain's Sonay Kartal, when a clear out ball from Kartal at 4–4 in the first set was missed by the Electronic Line Calling (ELC) system. The absence of a call led to confusion and a bizarre delay, eventually resulting in the point being replayed—a decision that left Pavlyuchenkova visibly frustrated. 'I expected the umpire to step in. He told me after the match that he saw it was out, but he didn't act,' Pavlyuchenkova said. 'I just thought also the chair umpire could take the initiative. That's why he's there.' Tournament officials later attributed the issue to operator error, explaining that the Hawk-Eye-based system had been inadvertently deactivated for one game, failing to track three shots—two of which were called manually by the umpire. A third, the one in question, was missed entirely. Pavlyuchenkova, 34, was vocal about the impact of the glitch, saying, 'They stole the game from me.' She ultimately regained her composure to win the match 7–6(3), 6–4, but the incident became the day's biggest talking point. Kartal, for her part, said she was unsighted during the rally and couldn't tell whether the ball was out. 'The umpire tried his best. I think he handled it fine,' she said.
Daily Tribune
28-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
UAE's Para Dressage Program Receives International Recognition
A groundbreaking initiative launched by the Amiri Stables in Abu Dhabi has received international recognition from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), marking a major milestone in the UAE's efforts to empower athletes of determination. The 'Program for Enhancing the Performance of People of Determination in Horse Dressage,' launched earlier this year, is already making headlines with the inclusion of two Emirati athletes—Fatima Al Balushi and Wafaa Al Dahmani—who have successfully completed their official international classification with the FEI. This paves the way for their journey toward the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Fatima (31), who was born with spina bifida, has been classified as Grade III, while Wafaa (also 31), who suffered paralysis from polio in her early childhood, is now classified as Grade II. Both women, from Ras Al Khaimah, joined the intensive training program in April and have since been undergoing weekly sessions at the Princely Stables. The program includes hands-on riding lessons, simulator sessions, physiotherapy, mental coaching, and nutrition guidance—all tailored to help athletes reach peak performance. As part of their journey, Fatima and Wafaa traveled to the UK in June to undergo their official classification at Wellington Riding. During their stay, they also participated in international competitions, including the CPEDI International Dressage Competition and the ICED Horse Show for People of Determination, where they trained and interacted with members of the multi-gold medal-winning British para-equestrian team. Dr. Russell McKechnie-Guire, the program's Technical Director and an expert in equine dynamics, praised the athletes' dedication. 'This was a significant moment. FEI classification is essential for international competition, and watching Fatima and Wafaa achieve this so early in the program was remarkable. They've shown real drive and professionalism.' The initiative remains open to other Emirati athletes with disabilities who wish to explore the world of dressage. The program aims not only to develop competitive riders but also to build confidence, resilience, and international sporting presence for the UAE. Laura Richardson, Performance Director at Amiri Stables, shared her pride in the team's progress: 'Fatima and Wafaa's determination is inspiring not just to the equestrian community, but to the nation. In just two months, we've reached our first major milestone on the road to Los Angeles 2028.' The Amiri Stables continues to invite aspiring athletes of determination, as well as sponsors and partners, to be part of this inspiring and historic journey toward the Paralympics.
