Road to Jeju Island: UAE golfers chase the dream in thrilling Race to Korea finale

Khaleej Times

29-04-2025

With the season's end looming and pressure mounting, the Race to Korea is entering its most electric chapter yet — a dramatic final sprint where dreams will be made or dashed on the fairways of the UAE.
From Dubai's glistening desert courses to Abu Dhabi's coastal greens, this year's edition of the Race to Korea, presented by DUGASTA, has already rewritten the script. Participation numbers have soared to record-breaking heights, with 17 qualifiers across the Emirates bringing together the nation's most passionate amateur golfers, all chasing the same goal: a coveted spot at the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final in South Korea's breathtaking Jeju Island.
Now, with only three qualifiers remaining, the tension is palpable.
Three Events, One Last Shot
For those yet to punch their ticket to the UAE National Final, the window is closing fast. But the opportunity still exists — if they can keep their nerve. Three events remain:
Yas Links Abu Dhabi – Saturday, 3rd May
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club – Sunday, 4th May
Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai – Saturday, 10th May
These final qualifiers promise high-stakes drama, with pressure mounting on every tee box and putt. The top five finishers in each division at these events will join the elite field at the UAE National Final, set for Saturday, 17th May at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa — the final battleground before the journey shifts to international soil.
Jeju Island Beckons
For five standout champions, victory in Abu Dhabi will mean more than a trophy — it will mean donning the UAE colours and boarding a flight to one of golf's most awe-inspiring destinations. Jeju Island, a volcanic gem off South Korea's southern coast, will host players from 47 countries at the WAGC World Final this October.
It's a chance to compete globally, all expenses paid, and to experience the camaraderie, culture, and competition that make the WAGC unlike anything else in amateur golf.
The Spirit of the Game
Russell Yeomans of Sport2Business, the driving force behind the Race to Korea, is buzzing with pride.
'This season has been extraordinary. We've seen more players than ever before, and the standard of play has been phenomenal. It's a testament to the strength of UAE's amateur golf community," he said.
He also had a message for those still sitting on the sidelines:
'There's still time to join. If you're over 18 and have a handicap of 25 or lower, this is your moment. The prizes are spectacular, but the memories — especially for our five national champions — will last a lifetime.'
With the fairways narrowing and the finish line in sight, the Race to Korea is no longer just a tournament. It's a test of nerve, a showcase of emerging talent, and a celebration of what's possible when passion meets opportunity.