Latest news with #AlAinEquestrian
Daily Tribune
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Porteous Takes One-Shot Lead Heading into Final Round of Abu Dhabi Challenge
Defending champion Garrick Porteous surged to the top of the leaderboard on Saturday with a solid third-round performance, carding a four-under-par 66 at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club to lead the Abu Dhabi Challenge by a single stroke. The Dubai-based golfer, who began the day two shots behind overnight leader Robin Sciot-Siegrist, endured a shaky start with bogeys on the second and fourth holes. However, he quickly found his rhythm, recovering with birdies on the sixth, seventh, and ninth to make the turn at one-under for the day. Porteous, 35, kept the momentum on the back nine, adding three more birdies, including one on the 18th, to finish the round at 14-under-par for the tournament. He now holds a narrow lead over Renato Paratore, the recent UAE Challenge winner, who shot a 65 to reach 13-under. 'I started off poorly—two over through five—but I managed to recover well on the front nine and played solid golf coming in,' said Porteous, who stepped back from full-time professional golf at the end of last year. 'I've just had one swing thought all week. I got away from that a bit at the start, but the greens are pure, and if you start rolling it well, you've got a good chance.' The Englishman, who won last year's Abu Dhabi Challenge with a blistering 24-under-par finish, is eyeing back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour titles. Adding a personal touch to his title defense, Porteous has his wife caddying for him this week. 'I'm excited. It's still a relaxed atmosphere and we're having fun on the course,' he said. 'There are a lot of strong players just behind me, and with this course, birdie opportunities are everywhere. If I keep creating chances, I can stay in front.' Chasing Porteous is a competitive field, with American Davis Bryant, Spaniard Sebastian Garcia, and France's Robin Sciot-Siegrist tied at 12-under-par. Denmark's Victor Sidal Svendsen sits one stroke further back at 11-under, just ahead of a group of players at 10-under, including JC Ritchie (RSA), Chase Hanna (USA), Will Enefer (ENG), Christoffer Bring (DEN), and Felix Mory (FRA).
Khaleej Times
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
The Week in Golf: Major momentum meets global ambition as tee times pack a punch
Just days after Rory McIlroy's emotional triumph at Augusta, golf's spotlight shifts to another marquee event — the $20 million RBC Heritage at Harbour Town, the PGA Tour's prestigious post-Masters tradition. McIlroy, basking in Major glory, takes a deserved break this week. But the chase for glory continues, with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returning to defend his title. Despite Rory's 2025 dominance, Scheffler remains in red-hot form, notching four Top-10 finishes already this year. OWGR points are thick on the ground — the RBC winner stands to claim 64.77, dwarfing the 16.75 projected for the DP World Tour's Volvo China Open champion. No wonder the PGA Tour's top talent is all in. Look out for FedEx Cup front-runners Sepp Straka (2), Ludvig Åberg (3), Scheffler (4), Russell Henley (5), and Corey Conners (6). Thomas Rising, Paratore Chasing History Meanwhile, Dubai's Rayhan Thomas continues his steady climb on the Korn Ferry Tour, teeing it up this week at the $1 million LECOM Suncoast Classic in Florida. Ranked 50th in the season-long points race, the 25-year-old Indian golfer is fighting for a coveted PGA Tour card, awarded to the top 20 players come season's end. In the UAE, the HotelPlanner Tour — formerly the Challenge Tour — rolls into week two of its Middle East swing with the Abu Dhabi Challenge at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. Defending champion Garrick Porteous, now Dubai-based, headlines a strong local lineup, including UAE amateur standout Ahmad Skaik, who made the cut last week in Al Zorah. He's joined by a host of UAE-based hopefuls: Rami Samawi, Jonathan Selvaraj, Sam Mullane, Mohammad Skaik, Neyl Cherrat, and Rayan Ahmed. Egyptian amateur Issa Abou El Ella, 30, will also tee it up, thanks to a sponsor's invitation. All eyes will be on Italy's Renato Paratore, who seeks a rare UAE double after last week's win in Ajman. The road to Mallorca continues — this is event eight of 29, with the top 20 in the year-end standings earning promotion to the 2026 DP World Tour. What's On This Week – April 15–21, 2025 PGA Tour: RBC Heritage Harbour Town Golf Links, South Carolina, US Purse: $20 million Dates: Apr 17–20 Korn Ferry Tour: LECOM Suncoast Classic Lakewood National GC, Florida, US Purse: $1 million Dates: Apr 16–19 DP World Tour: Volvo China Open Enhance Anting GC, Shanghai, China Purse: $2.25 million Dates: Apr 17–20 HotelPlanner Tour: Abu Dhabi Challenge Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, UAE Purse: $300,000 Dates: Apr 17–20 LPGA: JM Eagle LA Championship El Caballero Country Club, Los Angeles, California, US Purse: $3.75 million Dates: Apr 17–20
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
This Week in Golf: UAE grabs spotlight with back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events
While Augusta National dominates global golf chatter this week with the Masters Tournament taking centre stage, there's something equally exciting happening in the UAE. In the shadow of golf's biggest event, the HotelPlanner Tour (formerly known as the Challenge Tour) is making waves in the Emirates, as the first of two pivotal events unfolds at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman. As the world watches Augusta, it's important to remember that the UAE is carving its own path with back-to-back tournaments, culminating next week at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in Abu Dhabi. The region is fast becoming a global golf hub, with its growing roster of local talent and increasing regional collaboration. A New Chapter for the HotelPlanner Tour Let's be honest—rebranding can be a tough sell. The transition from the Challenge Tour to the HotelPlanner Tour might still take some getting used to. But hats off to Jamie Hodges, the Director of the Tour, and his dedicated team for successfully commercializing this essential development tour in the world of golf. Even if we're still learning the ropes of this new name, one thing is undeniable: the HotelPlanner Tour continues to be a key stepping stone for up-and-coming players aspiring to make it to the DP World Tour and beyond. For many greats—including Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Henrik Stenson, and even Brooks Koepka—this very tour played a crucial role in their early careers. The experience gained from travelling across diverse climates and cultures has helped shape them into the stars we know today. Rising Stars in focus At Al Zorah, the UAE is proudly represented by a talented quartet of homegrown players who made history just a few weeks ago. Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rayan Ahmed etched their names into the record books by securing Team Gold at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship in Saudi Arabia, with Skaik also claiming Individual Gold in a performance that left spectators in awe. Mullane, who captured top honours at the inaugural Cedars Championship held at Al Zorah last week, will be one to watch as he aims for further success. Mullane's victory earned him entry into the UAE Challenge, while Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne—who finished tied for second—were rewarded with tournament exemptions, underscoring the Emirates Golf Federation's commitment to supporting and rewarding local talent. The field will also feature several amateur players from the Arab Golf Federation (AGF), further strengthening the region's presence. Notable names include Daniil Sokolov and Saleh Al Kaabi from Qatar, showcasing the growing collaboration between Middle Eastern golf associations. Face Off The competition won't just feature rising stars; seasoned pros will also be in action, including several of the UAE's best club professionals. Jackson Bell, representing the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, Craig Howie from Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, Damien Scott of Al Hamra Golf Club, and Stuart Smith of Precision Golf Middle East will all test their mettle against some of the region's top talent. David Horsey, a four-time winner on the DP World Tour, returns home to Ajman ahead of his 40th birthday next week, looking to reignite his career on familiar turf. Alongside him, the always-intriguing Garrick Porteous, who recently transitioned from full-time tournament play to working as a Brand and Account Manager at ProSports International in Dubai, returns to defend his title at next week's Al Ain event. Porteous demonstrated exceptional form at the local Emirates PGA domestic scene, and his experience will be key as he looks to make another splash on home soil. A Week to Watch While the Masters may take the global spotlight, the UAE's golf scene is more than holding its own. This week's HotelPlanner Tour event in Ajman is a must-follow for golf fans, with local players battling it out for their shot at glory. If the success of the past few years is any indication, the UAE's rising stars are ready to shine—and we'll all be watching as they continue to make their mark. This Weel's Upcoming Golf Events The Masters Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, April 13, 2025 Venue: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, USA Purse: Not published at the time of going to press HotelPlanner Tour (UAE Challenge) Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, April 13, 2025 Venue: Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, Ajman, UAE Purse: $300,000 Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, April 13, 2025 Purse: €340,000
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
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Faldo Series returns to Al Ain, showcasing the UAE's rising golf stars
The highly anticipated Faldo Series is back in the UAE, bringing world-class junior golf to the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from Tuesday, March 25th to Thursday, March 27th. This prestigious 54-hole event is ranked by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), offering young golfers an invaluable opportunity to compete at the highest levels and make their mark on the global golf stage. As part of the Faldo Series, the tournament serves as a stepping stone for juniors aged 7 to 25, with the chance to earn significant rankings in the SPWAR and EGR. The winners will secure an invitation to the prestigious 29th Grand Final, also hosted at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, cementing this event as a key milestone in a junior golfer's journey toward professional tour aspirations. Shane Peacock, Director of Golf at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, shared his excitement for the event during the draw announcement: 'It is great to be able to host international tournaments of this standing at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. We have been partners of the Faldo Series for a number of years.' A strong local presence is expected in this year's event, with standout UAE junior golfers gearing up for a thrilling contest. In the Girls' Division, Anca Mateiu of the UAE National Team (Emirates Golf Club), Anayaa Sood (The Els Club), and Imogen Hall (UAE) are all aiming for top spots. Meanwhile, in the Boys' Division, Rayan Ahmed (Emirates Golf Federation) will be a favourite, joined by Aayan Dadabhoy (Jumeirah Golf Estates), Lukas Astrom (Jumeirah Golf Estates), Thomas Buchard (The Els Club), and home player Jeev Gill (Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club), all looking to contend for the victory. The first round will tee off at 8:00 am tomorrow (Tuesday), with the last group beginning at 11:10 am, as competitors take to the course in three-ball groups. With an impressive mix of international talent and local UAE stars, the 2025 Faldo Series at Al Ain promises to showcase some of the best young golfing talent in the region. It's an event that junior golfers don't want to miss, as it provides both a stage to showcase their skills and an opportunity to advance in their golfing careers. For live updates and scoring, visit Golf Genius using the password: FJT25.
