Latest news with #Skaik
Khaleej Times
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Ahmed Skaik isn't just playing to win — he's playing to build a future and a legacy
Ahmed Skaik doesn't sound like someone who has been waiting for success. He talks like someone who is ready for it. There's a quiet conviction in his voice, a sense that the work has been done — not just on his swing, but in how he sees himself. After years of chasing form, navigating injuries, and dealing with the mental pressure that elite athletes quietly carry, the 27-year-old Emirati golfer has reached a point of clarity in his career. 'I feel mentally much stronger,' he says. 'Everything I've been working on — physically, emotionally, even spiritually — is starting to come together.' Self-belief The results reflect that self-belief. While much has been said about his historic performance at the UAE Challenge — where he became the first Emirati golfer to make the cut in a European Tour-sanctioned event — for Skaik, it was simply another confirmation that he's heading in the right direction. He recalls the nerves standing on the 18th tee in Ajman, remembering the triple bogey from the day before. But this time, he steadied himself and hit a perfect tee-shot and then flushed his second shot 270 yards downwind that hit to 17 feet from the pin, from where he bravely holed it. 'I just said to myself, You've done this before. You can do it again.,' he said. 'That hole was everything. It tested me. And I passed. That moment… I really wanted it,' For Skaik it just isn't about golf. It's about moving forward with clarity about what he wants - to turn professional later this year. And the decision isn't being rushed by results or headlines. It's coming from something more grounded — a readiness he feels every time he steps onto the course. 'I've tried to get here many times, and I've come up short. But I needed those experiences,' he says. 'I've grown from them. I'm ready now.' Restructuring Process In recent months, Skaik has restructured everything around him. A focused training regime, regular physio, proper rest and recovery, healthy meals — and a team that helps him stay balanced. He's found that small changes, about getting the basics right, every single day. 'It's the things people don't always see,' he explains. 'The stretches before and after a round, the cold therapy, eating right — it makes me feel better every day.' More importantly, he's found belief again. For a while, it was missing. Injuries had taken their toll. So had the mental grind of tough competition. But now, there's a rhythm to his game — and to his life. His ball-striking has improved, but so has his mindset. 'It's not just about technique,' he says. 'I'm trusting myself more. I tell myself: Commit to the shot. You belong here,' And that voice is getting stronger. Future Targets Looking ahead, Skaik is targeting the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship this October — a landmark tournament on home soil. Whether he wins or not, it will trigger the period when he officially turns pro. After that, he plans to attempt both the European and Asian Tour Q Schools, stepping fully into the next phase of his journey. 'I love this game. I want it to be my future,' he says. 'And I think I'm ready to earn that.' But as he pushes forward, Skaik is also aware of the space he now occupies — as a pioneer, and perhaps more importantly, as a role model in the UAE. The messages come in weekly, sometimes daily — from Emirati kids, Arab expats, and aspiring golfers of all backgrounds. He sees it as both a responsibility and a reward. 'It makes me proud. It reminds me that this is bigger than me,' he says. 'And it tells me I'm doing the right things.' There's a phrase he repeats often, one that sums up the balance he's trying to strike: 'It's good to be a killer on the golf course — and a good human being on the outside.' That balance — fierce competitor meets grounded person — is what's guiding him now. Not just toward trophies, but toward a lasting legacy for golf in the UAE.
Khaleej Times
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Skaik hoping to ride on recent momentum as he focuses on UAE Challenge in Abu Dhabi
The UAE's Ahmad Skaik is eager to build on the momentum from his historic outing at the UAE Challenge as he turns his focus to this week's Abu Dhabi Challenge (April 17–20), the concluding event of the HotelPlanner Tour's double-header in the UAE. The 27-year-old made history as the first Emirati to make the cut in a European Tour group event, picking up the award for lowest amateur after finishing 69th at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club. His impressive performance included a thrilling finish to his second round on Friday, where he went birdie-birdie-eagle over the final three holes to card a five-under 67 and secure a weekend spot on the Tour for the first time. Skaik is now looking ahead to this week's event at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, focused on carrying the positives forward. 'I'm taking lots of positives away from last week, the last two rounds aren't going to take away anything from what I achieved,' said Skaik. 'I'll be taking all of those positives, hopefully do the same and maybe even better.' Skaik's participation in both UAE events has been made possible through the Emirates Golf Federation's (EGF) long-term partnership with the European Tour group, which allocates 30 tournament spots for UAE players across the two tournaments. The initiative reflects a joint commitment to growing golf in the UAE through 2032. As a key beneficiary of the partnership, Skaik has now competed in 12 HotelPlanner Tour events since 2023, supported by the EGF's collaboration with other national golf federations. This unique opportunity has allowed Skaik to hone his game internationally, playing against emerging stars in Italy, Spain, France, and the Czech Republic on the DP World Tour's official feeder circuit. With experience across 12 events under his belt, Skaik has developed both on and off the course—navigating travel demands, adapting to different courses, and sharpening his competitive edge. This progress has only strengthened his belief that he's ready to compete at the next level, as he eyes a professional debut later this year. 'I've played many of these HotelPlanner Tour events and I feel like I can now compete with them,' he said. 'I don't see any big differences between me and the players on the Tour, so that just gives me confidence heading into this week's event in Al Ain.' Several of Skaik's UAE National Team teammates will also be in action, hoping to follow in his footsteps. These include his brother Mohammed Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Neyl Cherrat, and Rayan Ahmed—who turned heads with an opening-round 66 at last year's Abu Dhabi Challenge. They'll be joined by several stars chasing a place on the DP World Tour next season, including last week's winner Renato Paratore, two-time DP World Tour champion Eddie Pepperell, Dubai-based Adri Arnaus, and the UAE's own Joshua Grenville-Wood. Last year's champion and Dubai resident Garrick Porteous returns to defend his title, while Ukrainian amateur Lev Grinberg will tee it up thanks to an invitation from the Emirates Golf Federation. Grinberg made headlines two years ago as the second-youngest player to ever make a cut on the DP World Tour—aged just 14 years, six months, and six days—at the Soudal Open in Belgium. The Abu Dhabi Challenge is backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and UAE-based sponsors including Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore. Fans can attend free of charge, with top-tier international golf on display throughout the week.
Al Etihad
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Paratore takes UAE Challenge title while Skaik settles for best amateur
13 Apr 2025 23:41 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Renato Paratore carded a seven-under par score on the final day to win the UAE Challenge at the par-72 Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club in Ajman, where history was made this week with Ahmad Skaik became the first Emirati to make the cut in a European Tour salvaged his tournament from an unfortunate third day's play to finish three over and still take the award for the best amateur at the tournament, the first of two back-to-back HotelPlanner events. He had to play with a cracked driver during the course of the third Italian Paratore, on the other hand, started on Sunday one shot off the overnight leader and hit a purple patch of three birdies and an eagle on the first five holes. Two further birdies on the back nine saw two-time DP World Tour winner Paratore pull away from the chasing pack to finish at 22-under par and seal a maiden title on what was earlier known as the Challenge Tour."The feeling is great, my last win was in 2020, so today was important for me," he said. "I just try to stay in the moment and stay in the hole every time I play because you can get distracted, but I stayed really focused all the days. My putting has been brilliant this week. Of course, the game has been good, but the putter played a really important role." Paratore, whose last win came at the Betfred British Masters five years ago, catapults to seventh in the Road to Mallorca Rankings and the Italian is looking to continue his impressive form at next week's Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. "I didn't start the season well so today is a good push forward and I can't wait to play next week," the Italian added, while praising the push by his closest rival JC Ritchie. The consistent South African, who shared the 36-hole lead, piled the pressure on Paratore after making back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th, however, a double bogey on the par-three 17th ended the 31-year-old's finished second on 20-under par, three shots clear of Erickson in third. "I was five under but only leading by one shot after nine," Paratore said. "JC played really well so congratulations to him, it was a good fight until the end."France's Oihan Guillamoundeguy finished the week tied for fourth on 16-under par alongside Dubai resident Adri Arnaus of Spain. Ireland's Mark Power, German Freddy Schott and Portuguese Pedro Figueiredo were one shot further back on 14-under par. Meanwhile, Skaik was left reminiscing on what the week could have been as he collected the award for the lowest-ranked amateur from Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al 27-year-old Skaik had put together a stunning finish to his second round on Friday, going birdie-birdie-eagle over the round's final three holes at Al Zorah's course to post a five-under 67, securing his passage to the record books and the third round. He then suffered the misfortune of a cracked driver on Day 3 which affected his scoring on the back nine and Sunday was another tough day as he struggled with his replacement club, which he said "was not used to" while carding a 75 to end the tournament at three over par.
Khaleej Times
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Paratore's magic touch with the putter seals UAE Challenge victory in Ajman
Renato Paratore had one thing on his mind after sinking the final putt at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club to win the UAE Challenge on Sunday – gratitude for his trusty putter. The two-time DP World Tour winner fired a sizzling final-round seven-under 65 to finish at 22 under par and seal a maiden HotelPlanner Tour title. South African JC Ritchie finished solo second on 20 under par, three shots clear of American Dan Erickson in third. 'My putting has been brilliant this week,' said the Italian. 'Of course, the game has been good, but the putter played a really important role.' Paratore entered the final round one shot back but quickly raced to the top of the leaderboard thanks to three birdies and an eagle on his first five holes. Two further birdies on the back nine saw him pull away for victory. 'The feeling is great, my last win was in 2020 so today was important for me,' he said. 'I just try to stay in the moment and stay in the hole every time I play because you can get distracted, but I stayed really focused all the days. I was five under but only leading by one shot after nine. JC played really well so congratulations to him, it was a good fight until the end.' Sunday's win was Paratore's first since 2020 and a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when everything clicks. Rise up rankings Paratore, whose last win came at the Betfred British Masters five years ago, catapults to seventh in the Road to Mallorca Rankings. The Italian is looking to continue his impressive form at next week's Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. 'I didn't start the season well so today is a good push forward and I can't wait to play next week,' he added. Ritchie, who shared the 36-hole lead, piled the pressure on Paratore after making back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th. However, a double bogey on the par-three 17th ended the 31-year-old's hopes. France's Oihan Guillamoundeguy finished the week tied for fourth on 16 under par alongside Dubai resident Adri Arnaus of Spain. Ireland's Mark Power, German Freddy Schott, and Portuguese Pedro Figueiredo were one shot further back on 14 under par. Skaik's Historic Moment for UAE Golf Meanwhile, the UAE's Ahmad Skaik won the award for lowest amateur, having made history as the first Emirati ever to make the cut in a European Tour group event. 'It was a week filled with ups and downs,' said Skaik, who was presented with his award by Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. 'I was four over through 12 on day one and then made four birdies on the last five holes to finish one over. 'Then on the second day, nothing was happening until the last three holes when I made birdie-birdie-eagle to make the cut. I was very happy obviously and everyone was proud. 'In the third round, I had many unlucky breaks. My driver broke after nine holes and I had to play the rest of the round and today with a different driver that I'm not used to,' he added. 'It was pretty tough - I just don't know where the ball is going to go with the driver and I seemed to hit it in every single bunker,' said Skaik. 'But I love challenges and putting myself in uncomfortable positions. I feel like today was one of them and I'll learn from it.' Looking Ahead to Al Ain The Abu Dhabi Challenge, the second event in the HotelPlanner Tour's UAE swing in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), tees off April 17 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. Road to Mallorca Number Two Wilco Nienaber, Englishman Jamie Rutherford, Delhi Challenge winner Quim Vidal, and Paratore will all be in the field—alongside Skaik and a host of emerging talent from the UAE. Fans are welcome to attend the event free of charge.
Khaleej Times
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
‘I told my Dad I'd make the cut': Skaik turns bold prediction at UAE Challenge into history
Sometimes belief makes all the difference. The night before his second round at the UAE Challenge, Ahmad Skaik looked his father in the eye and made a bold promise: 'I'm going to make the cut.' And the next day he didn't just keep his promise - he made golfing history when he became the first Emirati golfer ever to make the cut in a European Tour group event. On Friday at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, the 27-year-old talent delivered a spectacular birdie-birdie-eagle finish to sign off with a sensational five-under-par 67 that moved him to four under for the tournament and into the weekend with the game - and belief - to go even lower. 'I told my dad yesterday, I'm going to make birdie on the last to make the cut, because I triple-bogeyed it (in round one),' he said. 'So, I'll take eagle for sure! It's very tough to make an eagle, with that side slope off the green. I just thought, I don't want to miss it right? I hit a really good three-iron - and the putt dropped!' Vision to Victory It was the kind of finish you can't script, but Skaik had already written the story in his head the night before. Skaik had finished the opening round at one over par, but it was a score that belied his excellent form, which saw him complete his back nine (Al Zorah's front nine, having started on the 10th) in just 33 strokes. 'I was very confident, even yesterday. It was just that one hole – 18 - that made my score look like I was playing badly,' said Skaik. Now, with the weekend in sight, the amateur trailblazer has his sights is focused on making more history. 'I've never made it to the weekend in a HotelPlanner Tour or DP World Tour event, so it's exciting. I want to go double digits under par—that's my goal,' he said. Growing Home Talent The Emirati golfer's progress is a testament to the success of the Emirates Golf Federation's (EGF) partnership with the European Tour group, which aims to develop homegrown talent and create clear pathways for UAE-based players to compete at the highest levels of the sport. As part of the partnership, the EGF has secured 60 spots for local players at this week's event in Ajman and next week's Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. These spots can also be exchanged with other federations to unlock even more playing opportunities at HotelPlanner Tour events worldwide. The initiative is yielding positive results for UAE golf. Elsewhere, South Africa's JC Ritchie, France's Oihan Guillamoundeguy, and Ireland's Mark Power share the lead at ten under, each carding strong second rounds to position themselves atop a crowded leaderboard. Guillamoundeguy capped off his round with back-to-back birdies, while Dubai resident Adri Arnaus and UAE's Joshua Grenville-Wood also impressed, the latter matching Skaik's eagle at the 18th to move to six under. But the story of the day belonged to Ahmad Skaik- the confident young man who told his dad he'd make the cut, then went out and made history.
