Latest news with #SamMullane
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.
Khaleej Times
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Inaugural CEDARS Cup set for tee-off at al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, Ajman
The inaugural 54-hole Cedars Golf Championship takes place this week from Tuesday, April 1st to Thursday 3rd April, 2025, at Al Zorah Golf Club and Yacht Club in Ajman, UAE. Organised by the Lebanese Golf Federation in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation, and the overarching sanctioning body, the Arab Golf Federation (AGF), the Championship is set to be a key event on the recently announced Arab Golf Series. The tournament is played over 54 holes, with an 18-hole Stableford format for the final round. International representation sees five countries taking part: Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and the home country of UAE. The following competing Divisions are as below: Men's Division: Gross and Net. Ladies' Division: Gross and Net. Junior Under-18 Division: Gross and Net. Lebanese Nationals: Gross and Net. Notable UAE home players in the 45-player field, include Ahmad Skaik (+4, UAE), Sam Mullane (+6, EGF), Jonathan Selvaraj (+4, EGF), Mohammad Skaik (+2, UAE) and in the Female Division, Anca Mateiu (+5, UAE) who looks a strong favourite and one of the in-form female players in the UAE, with all her local knowledge. The overseas participation looks impressive, with Daniel Sokolov (+7, Qatar) amongst the expected challengers with a low handicap Egypt Team consisting of: Issa Abou El Ela (+4), Ahmed Naim (Scr), Mohammad Abou El Ela (+1) and Alieldine Salama (Scr). With World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points available, supported by The R&A, the Championship has attracted top amateur players. The winner of the Men's overall category will earn a spot on the 2025 HotelPlanner Tour (formerly the Challenge Tour), in the UAE Challenge, to be held at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th April 2025. Karim Salam, President of the Lebanese Golf Federation, emphasised the tournament's significance, stating, 'We are proud to launch the Cedars Golf Championship as part of the Arab Golf Series, which aims to develop golf in the region and elevate Arab players' standing on the international stage.' 'This tournament will provide a valuable platform for amateur players to showcase their skills while fostering collaboration between Arab Golf Federations to deliver high-calibre tournaments. We extend our gratitude to the Emirates Golf Federation for hosting this round and look forward to strong competition among the participants.' The tournament serves as the second event of the Arab Golf Series, following the Qatar Open which was won by Qatar's Saleh Al-Kaabi. The Series aims to enhance competitive opportunities for Arab golfers and support their progression in the global rankings.
Khaleej Times
15-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Sam Mullane leads Jumeirah Golf Estates Amateur Open after two rounds
Sam Mullane (UAE) leads the 2025 Jumeirah Golf Estates Amateur Open after rounds of 71 and 68, placing him at five under par (139) and one shot ahead of his brother Jay. The tournament, supported by The R&A, is an Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit event and a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) qualifier, played over 54 holes and awarding WAGR points. It is open to both male and female golfers, with 122 men and 14 women participating. The field also includes 21 overseas players from 11 countries. The leading female player is Anca Matieu (Emirates Golf Club), who carded rounds of 72 and 69 to reach three under par. After his round, Sam Mullane commented: 'I played some pretty solid golf today – with five birdies and just one bogey. I was happy with my game – and I benefitted with the fog delay of two hours and 20 minutes. I stayed at home during the delay – so did not use all my energy waiting to tee off.' 'I have a good record at my home club at JGE where I have been a member for about five years. I prefer the Earth to the Fire course,' he added. 'I won this event in 2023 when it was first a WAGR qualifier tournament and I came third last year. It is always fun to play competitive golf with my brother Jay – I will try and make sure we are in different golf carts.' The final round will be played on Sunday on the Earth Course, with the first tee time at 6:30 AM. The Golf Genius Password for all LIVE Scoring is: JGEAO25 Leading Second Round Scores (Par 70): S. Mullane (UAE) 71-68—139 J. Mullane (JGE) 73-67—140 A. Matieu (EGC) 72-69—141 A. Hess (The Els Club, Dubai) 68-73—141 S. Paruthi (India) 71-70—141 Final round tee times are available on the Golf Genius link. The leaders will tee off last at 1:20 PM in three-balls, with the final pairing featuring the Mullane brothers and Anca Matieu.
