This Week in Golf: From junior dreams in Al Ain to big stakes in Belgium and Mexico
This week, golf fans have plenty to watch—from emerging amateurs in the UAE to Ryder Cup hopefuls in Europe and a landmark LPGA return to Mexico.
In the UAE, Al Ain takes centre stage as the JAGA International Amateur Open tees off from 23–25 May at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. As part of the Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA) initiative, the event is designed to shine a light on the next generation of talent from the Asia-Pacific region.
Sanctioned by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and featuring top men's and women's amateurs, the tournament is a key stop on the JAGA International Series – Order of Merit. While not part of the Emirates Golf Federation's official Order of Merit, the event plays a vital role in providing young golfers with international exposure and a pathway to future collegiate and professional success.
European Swing Heats Up
Over in Antwerp, the DP World Tour returns for the Soudal Open, a pivotal event in the tour's European Swing. Running from 22–25 May at Rinkven International Golf Club, the tournament offers crucial Race to Dubai points and could influence Ryder Cup selection for 2025.
This year's edition features a star-studded field:
Thomas Pieters, the Belgian hometown hero and LIV Golf member, looks to go one better after finishing runner-up last year.
Francesco Molinari, 2018 Open Champion and Ryder Cup legend, adds gravitas with his first appearance at the Soudal Open.
Nicolas Colsaerts, another Belgian Ryder Cup alum, returns to energize the home crowd.
Jordan Smith and Matt Wallace of England are in strong form and eyeing upward movement in the Race to Dubai standings.
Nacho Elvira, last year's champion, returns to defend his crown.
Eugenio Chacarra, fresh off a win at the Hero Indian Open, adds further depth to the field.
With a $2.75 million prize purse, the Soudal Open is shaping up to be one of the most competitive weeks on the DP World Tour calendar this spring.
LPGA Returns to Mexico
Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour celebrates a homecoming in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with the inaugural Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba. Taking place from 22–25 May at the spectacular El Camaleón Golf Course, the event marks the LPGA's first stop in Mexico since 2017.
The 144-player field includes some of the game's biggest names:
Charley Hull, Linn Grant, Leona Maguire, and Carlota Ciganda lead the international charge.
Gaby López and María Fassi headline the home favorites, looking to inspire the next generation of Mexican golfers.
This 72-hole stroke play event features a $2.5 million purse, with $375,000 going to the winner, underscoring its importance on the LPGA's global calendar.
From junior prospects under desert skies to Ryder Cup points in the balance and a fresh start in Mexico, this week in golf truly spans the globe.
Tournaments to Watch
DP World Tour
Soudal Open
Rinkven International Golf Club, Antwerp, Belgium
May 22–25
Purse: $2.75 million
LPGA Tour
Riviera Maya Open
El Camaleón Golf Course, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
May 22–25
Purse: $2.5 million
UAE
JAGA International Amateur Open
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, UAE
May 23–25
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