Latest news with #EmiratesPGA
Khaleej Times
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Porteous dominates to claim double victory in Emirates PGA Pro-Am in Al Hamra
Garrick Porteous delivered a commanding performance at the Emirates PGA Ras Al Khaimah Pro-Am, firing a five-under-par 67 to capture the individual title at Al Hamra Golf Club. The former DP World Tour and Challenge Tour player, now charting a new course in his career, lit up the 7,325-yard layout with an astonishing nine birdies. Despite some setbacks, including four dropped shots, Porteous' aggressive play saw him finish four strokes clear of his nearest challengers, Jackson Bell (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Ian Clark (Trump International Golf Club, Dubai), who both carded one-under 71s. With only three players managing to break par, the challenging conditions at Al Hamra made Porteous' achievement even more remarkable. The next-best score in the field of 21 professionals was a three-over 75, highlighting the dominance of the Englishman's round. A Team Triumph to Match Not content with just individual glory, Porteous also led his amateur team to victory in the Team Division, which featured 19 teams playing a 'Best of Two Scores' format. Teaming up with James Lang (13), Rolando Chang (10), and Alessa Leigh Chang (11), the quartet combined for 99 Stableford points—just enough to edge out two chasing teams, captained by Dong Lee and Stuart Smith, who finished one point behind on 98. A Platform for Pros and Amateurs Kieren Pratt, Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) representative for the Emirates PGA, praised the event for fostering the connection between professional and amateur golfers in the region. 'We've had another great day at Al Hamra with this Emirates PGA event,' said Pratt. 'Pro-Ams are so important for the golf ecosystem in the UAE, and we will continue to expand our Emirates PGA calendar with more of these initiatives. "Allowing amateurs to engage with our Emirates PGA professionals both on and off the course creates a unique and special experience. It showcases the talent we have among our UAE pros while also building camaraderie and lifelong connections through the sport.' With his double triumph in Ras Al Khaimah, Porteous has made a strong statement, proving that his competitive fire is still burning bright as he embarks on the next chapter of his golfing journey. Results: Pro Individual: Winning Team (Stableford Points):
Khaleej Times
04-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Porteous thrives in golf and career: ‘The best part is, I get to enjoy both
Garrick Porteous may have stepped away from full-time professional golf, but his competitive fire hasn't dimmed. The two-time HotelPlanner Tour winner continues to make his mark on the course while balancing a career at ProSports International. His recent victory at The Montgomerie Golf Club proves he's still got it. Carding a superb six-under 66, Porteous clinched the 16th round of the Emirates PGA, a confidence boost ahead of next month's HotelPlanner (formerly Challenge Tour) events. Alongside his role as brand manager at ProSports International—the Middle East's leading golf distributor—Porteous remains fully immersed in competitive golf. With the company's backing, he competes in local PGA events while gearing up to defend his Abu Dhabi Challenge title, a tournament he won last year at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. 'It's great to compete still while having the security of a full-time job,' said Porteous, who hails from Colchester, England. 'Winning an event like this and then heading into the office to congratulates from everyone at ProSports is a great feeling. Team support 'There's a real buzz of support from the team. It's also the first time in my life I've had a regular paycheck, which gives me a sense of stability. I haven't really thought about it much, but I guess it's helped me play with a little more freedom.' With the Montgomerie's greens rolling at just over 11.5 on the Stimp Meter and the course in pristine condition, low scores were needed to contend. Porteous delivered, showing the form that saw him win the 2013 Amateur Championship and cruise to a five-shot victory at the 2017 Prague Golf Challenge. 'The Emirates PGA events are really well-run, and Kieran Pratt does a fantastic job organizing them,' Porteous added. 'They fit perfectly into most players' schedules. Getting a scorecard in your hand and competing is a different challenge from just playing a casual round with mates.' Eye on the future As he looks ahead to the upcoming HotelPlanner Tour events, Porteous continues to blend his love for golf with his professional career. His background in graphic design and branding has found a natural home at ProSports, where he stays connected to the sport in more ways than one. 'My days look a little different now, but the hunger to compete is still there,' he said. 'The best part is, I get to enjoy both worlds.' With his game in good shape and confidence high, Porteous is ready to defend his title in Abu Dhabi, determined to make another statement on the HotelPlanner circuit.
Khaleej Times
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
'Proud' Young wins individual title at Emirates PGA Pro-Am supported by the Emirates PGA
GOLFTEC's Malcolm Young said he was proud of his performance after shooting a five under par 67 to win the Emirates PGA Division of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Pro-Am supported by the Emirates PGA, at Ajman's Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club. Young won by a shot from Faycal Serghini (EGF) and Matt Brookes (Dubai Creek Resort). The field of 25 Pros saw 12 players on par or better. The Pro-Am was a Qualifier for the 2024 – 2025 Emirates PGA Order of Merit. Young is certain to make an impressive move with this win on the Merit table. In the Pro-Am Team Division Serghini (EGF) won the event with a score of 45 under par – with Amateurs Aylan Serghini and Ali Abubaker with Serghini's individual score also acting as the third Amateur. There were 28 Teams competing on the day with Team Serghini coming out on top. Young told Khaleej Times at the end of the round: " I was pleased with how I played today. I had a fun day with my three amateurs on course today. To come top of the pile with such a strong field of Emirates PGA Pros is an achievement I am very proud of. "It is never easy to win one of these Emirates PGA individual events – some, if not all of the Pros can really play and all can get it around in low numbers. "My Pro-Am Team came in tied fifth with a 35 under par score. I thought we might finish a little higher up in the Team Division – it was a competitive day all round," Young added. The format was Tour Team Shambles alongside the Pro Individual Division. The winning team captained by Faycal Serghini (EGF), won on by an impressive six points from runners-up captained by Pro Jackson (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and his Amateur team. General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice-Chairman of the EGF, presented the prizes and thanked everyone for participating and the event sponsors for all their support: e-Golf Megastore, Aguila Golf, DNATA Travel and the host golf club: Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club. Results Team Event / Tour Shambles Overall Winners F. Serghini (Pro, EGF), A. Serghini, A. Abubaker & Amateur Score (Pro, F. Serghini), 45 under-par. UAE Nationals Team Division M. Brookes (Pro, Dubai Creek Resort), S. Al Hosani, A. Almheiri, & S. Ali, 32 under-par. Overall Runners-up J. Bell (Pro, JGE) D. Nicholson, R. Al Jarwan & D. Higgins, 39 under-par. UAE National Junior Division C. Van Rooyen (Pro, EGF), Z. Ali, N. Cherratt & A. Salmeen, 32 under-par Pro Individual / Emirates PGA (Par 72). M. Young (GOLFTEC, Dubai) 67. F. Serghini (EGF) 68. M. Brookes (Dubai Creek Resort) 68. H. Wallani (EGF) 69. S. Wallani (EGF) 69. G. Porteous (ProSports International) 69. D. Gray (UAE) 69.
Khaleej Times
26-01-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Finland's Team Ruuska, Matias Honkala top inaugural Etihad Ajman Golf Championship
Matias Honkala (Finland) emerged victorious in the Individual Professional Division of the inaugural 36-hole Etihad Ajman Golf Championship, supported by the Emirates PGA, held at the stunning Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, Ajman, UAE. The championship featured a unique format, with 30 professionals competing over two days alongside 60 amateurs. The event primarily included UAE-based Emirates PGA professionals, as well as a selection of invited pros utilizing the UAE as a winter training base for their upcoming seasons. Each professional captained a team of three amateurs, with the professionals playing their own ball and the amateurs competing in a 'Scramble Drive' team format. Honkala, 25, showcased his class by delivering an impressive two-round total of 10-under-par (67-67, 134), claiming a five-shot victory. Currently playing on the Nordic League, a development tour within the global professional golf pyramid, Honkala's performance underlined his growing potential. Tied for second place at 5-under-par were South Korean lady professional Ayean Cho (71-68) and Finland's Lauri Ruuska (70-69). Cho, 26, a former KLPGA Rookie of the Year (2019) with four career wins on the KLPGA, displayed her consistent skills. In the Team category, Ruuska led his group—Mark Holmans, Antony Brocklebank, and Lisa Brockleman—to victory with rounds of 105 and 104 Stableford points, totalling 209. They edged out the team captained by professional John Moon (South Korea), who finished second with 206 points, followed by Team Robbie Busher (UK) in third at 203 points. The championship, organized by the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) and sponsored by Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), reinforced Ajman's status as a vibrant sports hub and premier tourism destination. Sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and supported by the Emirates PGA, the event delivered an inclusive and competitive platform, fostering networking opportunities for amateurs and professionals. Kieren Pratt, the EGF official responsible for overseeing the Emirates PGA, expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating: 'We have had a hugely successful couple of days for the 36-holes Etihad Ajman Golf Championship supported by the Emirates PGA at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club. 'We thank the Ajman Tourism Development Department, the title sponsors Etihad Water and Electricity Authority, the Medical Support Sponsor – Saudi German Hospital – Ajman, and the host golf club, especially; Phil Henderson, Austin Cahill and the team, showcasing their new clubhouse that has recently been soft launched. 'At the Prize Presentation, it was announced that everyone is looking forward to the 2026 edition of this Pro-Am. Thank you to all involved.' Team (Stableford Points) L. Ruuska (Pro, Finland), M. Holmans, A. Brocklebank, L. Brockleman – 105, 104 = 209 J. Moon (Pro, South Korea), S. M. Choi, G. Choi, A. Kang – 103, 103 = 206 (via countback) R. Busher (UK), J-M Giraudo, Y. Buchard, F. Alblooshi – 103, 100 = 203 Professional Individual Division M. Honkala (Finland) – 67, 67 = 134 T2. A. Cho (South Korea) – 71, 68 = 139 T2. L. Ruuska (Finland) – 70, 69 = 139 C. Steele (UK) – 70, 74 = 144 S. Wallani (EGF/Tunisia) – 71, 74 = 145
