‘I told my Dad I'd make the cut': Skaik turns bold prediction at UAE Challenge into history
Sometimes belief makes all the difference. The night before his second round at the UAE Challenge, Ahmad Skaik looked his father in the eye and made a bold promise: 'I'm going to make the cut.'
And the next day he didn't just keep his promise - he made golfing history when he became the first Emirati golfer ever to make the cut in a European Tour group event.
On Friday at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, the 27-year-old talent delivered a spectacular birdie-birdie-eagle finish to sign off with a sensational five-under-par 67 that moved him to four under for the tournament and into the weekend with the game - and belief - to go even lower.
'I told my dad yesterday, I'm going to make birdie on the last to make the cut, because I triple-bogeyed it (in round one),' he said. 'So, I'll take eagle for sure! It's very tough to make an eagle, with that side slope off the green. I just thought, I don't want to miss it right? I hit a really good three-iron - and the putt dropped!'
Vision to Victory
It was the kind of finish you can't script, but Skaik had already written the story in his head the night before.
Skaik had finished the opening round at one over par, but it was a score that belied his excellent form, which saw him complete his back nine (Al Zorah's front nine, having started on the 10th) in just 33 strokes.
'I was very confident, even yesterday. It was just that one hole – 18 - that made my score look like I was playing badly,' said Skaik.
Now, with the weekend in sight, the amateur trailblazer has his sights is focused on making more history.
'I've never made it to the weekend in a HotelPlanner Tour or DP World Tour event, so it's exciting. I want to go double digits under par—that's my goal,' he said.
Growing Home Talent
The Emirati golfer's progress is a testament to the success of the Emirates Golf Federation's (EGF) partnership with the European Tour group, which aims to develop homegrown talent and create clear pathways for UAE-based players to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
As part of the partnership, the EGF has secured 60 spots for local players at this week's event in Ajman and next week's Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. These spots can also be exchanged with other federations to unlock even more playing opportunities at HotelPlanner Tour events worldwide. The initiative is yielding positive results for UAE golf.
Elsewhere, South Africa's JC Ritchie, France's Oihan Guillamoundeguy, and Ireland's Mark Power share the lead at ten under, each carding strong second rounds to position themselves atop a crowded leaderboard.
Guillamoundeguy capped off his round with back-to-back birdies, while Dubai resident Adri Arnaus and UAE's Joshua Grenville-Wood also impressed, the latter matching Skaik's eagle at the 18th to move to six under.
But the story of the day belonged to Ahmad Skaik- the confident young man who told his dad he'd make the cut, then went out and made history.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sport360
6 hours ago
- Sport360
SHE RUNS 2025: UAE's largest women's running event returns to empower, unite & inspire a new generation
The UAE's most iconic women's fitness event is making a bold comeback under a powerful new identity: SHE RUNS. Reimagined to reflect the spirit of a new generation, the event will take place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Expo City Dubai, celebrating inclusion, strength, and the collective power of women. Formerly known as the Women's Run, this 12th edition marks more than a name change, it signals a transformative movement toward wellbeing, leadership, and community connection. Participants of all ages and fitness levels, whether running, jogging, or walking, can join across multiple race categories: 1km, 3km, 5km, and 10km. Dedicated tracks for young girls, Emirati women, and People of Determination reflect the event's commitment to diversity and intergenerational participation. 'In embracing inclusivity, SHE RUNS does not just count miles, it counts moments. Each step is a testament to the power of community driving change,' said Dr. Harmeek Singh, Founder and CEO of Plan b Group, the event's organizing partner. This year's edition runs under the unifying banner: 'For Voices. For Connection. For Change.' echoing its alignment with the UAE's Year of the Community. Backed by the Dubai Sports Council and integrated into the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30, SHE RUNS is also a strategic partner of the Dubai Active Show, further anchoring its role as a national movement in health and wellness. 'SHE RUNS reflects the very essence of what the Dubai Fitness Challenge is about empowering individuals through movement and bringing communities together in the spirit of wellbeing,' said a spokesperson from the Dubai Sports Council. Returning for 2025 is the high-energy SHE RUNS Power Hour, a pre-race activation featuring motivational talks, dynamic group warm-ups, and outreach programs for schools, universities, and corporate teams. Registration is now open via and Premier Online.
Gulf Today
16 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Hamdan witnesses launch of ‘National Service Athlete Programme'
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, witnessed the launch of the 'National Service Athlete Programme,' a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Sports. The programme is designed to support elite Emirati athletes enlisted in national service by integrating them into tailored sports programmes. It enables them to continue their training and skill development during their service period and to participate in competitions that impact their international rankings or qualifications for major global tournaments. The launch was held at a special event organised by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. The event was attended by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, and Mohamed Bin Mubarak Bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs. During the event, Sheikh Hamdan met with recruits forming the programme's first cohort. Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed that supporting elite athletes is a national priority aligned with the UAE leadership's vision of empowering Emiratis across all sectors, including sports, which plays a pivotal role in shaping character and enhancing the nation's global profile by nurturing young national talent. "Athletes are our ambassadors on the global stage. We are committed to creating an environment that enables them to thrive. The integration of national service with athletic development strengthens the physical and mental capabilities of our youth, preparing them to be future leaders and guardians of our national achievements, while instilling discipline and dedication,' Sheikh Hamdan said. He added, "The launch of the 'National Service Athlete Programme' reflects a strong spirit of collaboration between government entities to support high-performing athletes, uncover new talent, and develop champions who will proudly represent the UAE. We believe physical readiness and competitive spirit are shared values between sports and national service. This programme lays the foundation for a long-term strategic pathway that advances our national vision.' Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi said, "This programme marks a significant step in developing national sports and supporting the physical readiness of our elite athletes during national service. It harnesses the combined strengths of both ministries to strengthen national identity and deliver on the strategic priority of building a healthy and active society.' He added, "The programme directly contributes to the goals of the 'National Sports Strategy 2031', particularly in promoting physical activity among Emirati youth and enhancing their athletic and professional capabilities. It also supports the wider ambitions of 'We the UAE 2031' to empower our youth and ensure their ability to serve the nation with the highest-level of commitment and excellence.' Mohamed Bin Mubarak Bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei said, "We are committed to channelling the potential of our youth into paths that benefit the country and enhance their overall readiness. The 'National Service Athlete Programme' provides an enabling training environment for elite athletes to continue advancing in their sport while fulfilling their national duty.' He added, "This initiative also allows us to identify new talent among national service recruits and support them through a flexible system that blends military discipline with athletic excellence. The programme prepares a new generation of well-rounded individuals ready to represent the UAE at the highest levels.' The programme marks a strategic milestone in mobilising national capabilities in service of the country. It aims to sustain and enhance the athletic performance of Emirati athletes during their service, while also enabling their participation in external competitions. Technical teams will conduct assessments and regular evaluations of selected recruits to identify emerging talent. In addition, the programme fosters collaboration to strengthen the performance of national service recruits and help uncover their full athletic potential. The inaugural cohort includes athletes who will represent the UAE in major upcoming events, most notably the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, as well as a range of regional and international tournaments. Participants span diverse disciplines, including fencing, equestrian, archery, athletics, and combat sports, demonstrating the UAE's commitment to cultivating talent across the full spectrum of sports. The programme is built on a robust framework of coordination between both ministries, covering the organisation of joint sports activities, athlete participation in tournaments, and workshops aimed at enhancing sports and fitness capabilities. It also supports knowledge exchange, logistical assistance, and joint efforts in developing technical and administrative expertise in sports coaching and related fields.A joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant stakeholders will oversee the implementation of the programme's initiatives. The committee will meet regularly to monitor progress and ensure alignment with shared strategic goals. WAM
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
MEP backs first Emirati woman to compete in Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship
9 June 2025 20:34 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Powerboat racer Alia Abdul Salam will accelerate to new success after being selected to join the Mubadala Excellence Programme (MEP), a community initiative that supports talented individuals across the UAE in the field of sports, arts, culture, and innovation. As part of this milestone, Mubadala joins as the Title Partner for Alia's 2025 Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship participation marks a historic moment as the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, representing the UAE in upcoming international races in Sweden, Norway, and Italy. This is both a personal milestone and a meaningful reflection of the UAE's growing presence in global sport, and a proud step forward for Emirati women competing in high-performance arenas. Through the programme, she will gain access to support that helps her pursue this passion with purpose. Launched in 2021, MEP is part of Mubadala's commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to a resilient, connected was raised in a sports-focused environment and inspired by her father, Abdul Salam Firooz, a former champion and longtime contributor to marine motorsports. From a young age, she was drawn to the water and began carving her path in the sport, steadily breaking barriers at the local level before stepping onto the global stage. Her journey is defined by ambition, discipline, and a strong commitment to on her journey, Salam shared: "My goal is to inspire the next generation of Emirati girls to pursue their passions, no matter the challenges. Joining this program provides me with a broader perspective, allowing me to learn from industry leaders and develop the skills I need to outshine in marine sports and beyond. Mubadala's trust in me - and in the ability of Emirati women to succeed globally - is a powerful message, not just for me but for every young girl in the UAE dreaming of taking a different path."Through this partnership, I hope to encourage more girls to enter the world of motorsports, motivate young people to pursue innovation, and raise the UAE flag high in the world of fast-paced marine sports. It is a privilege and an honour to have Mubadala as Title Partner for this journey." Salam made her international debut in Norway last year, where she secured fifth place in her first international Formula 4 race. She also showcased exemplary skill and talent at the UAE F4 Powerboat Championship, winning ninth place during Round 1, seventh place during Round 2 and sixth place during Round 3.
