Latest news with #AbdullahAlhashmi
Khaleej Times
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Building bridges from Augusta to Dubai: A new chapter for amateur golf begins
From April 7th to 13th, 2025, the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club played host to more than just golf's greatest players. Amid the Masters Tournament's 89th edition, General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), was on a mission—representing the UAE and preparing for a pivotal moment in amateur golf. General Alhashmi's visit was far more than ceremonial. Alongside EGF Board Member Mustafa Al Hashimi and Dubai Golf CEO Chris May, he took part in a milestone Masters, witnessing Rory McIlroy finally don the iconic green jacket and complete the elusive career Grand Slam. 'It was a weekend that I will remember for a very long time. The level of excellence not only on the golf course but also around the property of Augusta National, has certainly left an impression on me to bring back to the UAE. I am glad that I got to witness the tradition like any other,' said General Alhashmi. 'During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with Chairman Ridley to discuss preparation for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, as well as the impact that the UAE has had on amateur golf.' During his time at Augusta, General Alhashmi engaged in key discussions with Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley, focusing on Dubai's preparations to host the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC)—a tournament that not only crowns the region's top amateur but also grants its winner a golden ticket to the following year's Masters. Adding to the prestige of his visit, General Alhashmi also attended the Green Jacket Ceremony held at the 18th green, marking an unforgettable capstone to a week steeped in tradition and vision. The UAE will officially host the 16th AAC at Emirates Golf Club from October 23–26, 2025, in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), Dubai Golf, and Augusta National Golf Club. The AAC was founded to spotlight the region's emerging talent, giving 120 top male amateurs from 42 APGC member organizations a stage to shine—and a chance to compete at the Masters. This was first confirmed in October 2024 during an announcement in Japan, where APGC Chairman Taimur Hassan Amin shared his enthusiasm for the UAE's selection: 'We have a proud tradition of hosting the AAC at world-class venues and we are continuing to do that by hosting the 2025 edition in the UAE at the Emirates Golf Club, strengthening our relationship with the UAE and Middle East region.' As the curtain falls on the 2024/2025 UAE golf season—with back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events and the EGF Order of Merit Championship next weekend—the Emirates Golf Federation continues to build momentum. This year's Masters wasn't just about history being made—it was about the future being forged.
Daily Tribune
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Emirates Golf Federation Reinforces Commitment To Developing Homegrown Talent At Uae Challenge
As the prestigious UAE Challenge prepares to return to Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club from April 10–13, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has reaffirmed its strategic vision to nurture homegrown golfing talent and elevate the UAE's presence on the global stage. 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.
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE Challenge tees off in Ajman, giving rising Emirati stars a global platform
This week, the rolling fairways of Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman are more than just a beautiful backdrop—they're the stage for something bigger. As the UAE Challenge tees off from April 10–13, excitement is building not only for the competition itself but for what it represents: a bold new chapter for golf in the Emirates. For the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), this tournament isn't just about birdies and bogeys—it's about building a future. '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. That 'next step' is what the EGF has been steadily working toward—creating real pathways for UAE-based players to rise through the ranks and compete internationally. Powerful Opportunity The UAE Challenge, part of the HotelPlanner Tour, provides a rare and powerful opportunity for up-and-coming Emirati and local talent to test their skills against some of the best-emerging players from around the globe. Among the local hopefuls ready to make an impact are Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rayan Ahmed—a formidable group that recently made headlines at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship. Skaik's sizzling -18 performance earned him individual gold, while the team captured the overall title with a record 38-stroke victory, signalling a major step forward for elite-level Emirati golf. And momentum is clearly on their side. Just last week, Sam Mullane topped the leaderboard at the inaugural Cedars Championship, also hosted at Al Zorah. With Mullane already qualified for the UAE Challenge, runners-up Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne were granted tournament exemptions—proof of the EGF's continued commitment to rewarding strong local performances and widening the competitive door. Broader Regional Effort But this isn't just a showcase for the UAE. The event is drawing talent from across the region and beyond, with players from the Arab Golf Federation and Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) joining the field. Daniil Sokolov and Saleh Al Kaabi of Qatar are among those set to compete, highlighting a broader regional effort to grow the game through collaboration. UAE club professionals are also getting their moment in the spotlight, including Jackson Bell (Tommy Fleetwood Academy), Craig Howie (Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club), Damien Scott (Al Hamra Golf Club), and Stuart Smith (Precision Golf Middle East). Their inclusion reflects the EGF's desire to give every tier of the local golfing community a chance to shine. It's all part of a much larger picture, one that goes beyond a single tournament. With support from the DP World Tour and The R&A, the EGF's vision encompasses everything from grassroots programs to elite training, all designed to provide Emirati players with the skills and confidence to compete internationally. Investing in the Future 'We are investing in the future of Emirati golf,' added Alhashmi. 'Through events like the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah, we are giving our players the stage, the tools, and the belief to dream bigger—and to realise those dreams.' The action doesn't end in Ajman. The Abu Dhabi Challenge follows hot on its heels from April 17–20 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism. Both tournaments are further supported by Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore—UAE-headquartered companies who are playing their part in helping the sport grow. Together, these two Challenge Tour events are not just competitive highlights; they are milestones in a larger mission to elevate Emirati golf onto the world stage. And for fans wanting to witness the rise firsthand? Entry is completely free—no tickets, no barriers. Just great golf, local heroes, and the thrill of what's to come.
