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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