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Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE stars tee up for glory in Korea after thrilling Dugasta final showdown
The journey that began months ago across the UAE's premier golf courses throughout the Emirates, reached its thrilling conclusion last weekend as the Dugasta Race to Korea National Final unfolded at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. The stakes were high, the competition fierce, and the prize — a chance to represent the UAE at the prestigious World Amateur Golfers Championship in Jeju Island, South Korea in October-November this year. After 18 fiercely contested qualifying rounds over 1,000 hopefuls were whittled down to an elite field for the grand finale. The National Final brought together the very best amateur golfers in the country, divided into five handicap categories — each player hoping to seal their place on the international stage. In Division 1 (0–5.4 handicap), Dhruv Nair of Dubai Creek Golf Club delivered a composed round of net 71, finishing atop the leaderboard. Neil Maidment from Sharjah produced the day's best score — a superb net 66 — to win Division 2 (5.5–10.4 handicap). Irfan Izhar matched Nair's total with a net 71 to secure Division 3 (10.5–15.4 handicap), while Neil Mitchell of The Els Club matched the same score to triumph in Division 4 (15.5–20.4 handicap). Rounding off the winners, Ivan Kraemer from Emirates Golf Club posted a steady net 75 to take top honours in Division 5 (20.5–25.4 handicap). These five golfers — each a reflection of skill and determination — have now earned the honour of representing the UAE at the World Amateur Golfers Championship in Jeju Island where they will compete against players from over 40 countries. Organised by Sport2Business Events, the Dugasta Race to Korea series has not only showcased the rising standard of golf in the UAE but also brought the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and competition. The season long tournament is sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). Russell Yeomans, promoter of the 2025 Race to Korea, commented, "This event at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, is the culmination of our 2025 season. Congratulations to the five Divisional champions for their scores. "It has been a long season for all, but we feel the participation levels have been so much higher this season, especially at the end of the calendar. Thanks to all the golf clubs, and the Emirates Golf Federation for everyone's support. "We are especially happy with the scoring levels. Looking at the overall final results it seems that we gave everyone the chance to participate and qualify – that is the difficult part of organizing a countrywide event involving so many players of varying handicap levels' 'We are proud of the UAE team we have assembled," Yeomans added. "Attention now focuses to Jeju Island, for the World Final. We are all looking forward to what will be a very special week." 'As part of the Sport2Business portfolio, we have attended previous World Finals at various venues.' Around 47 countries will be competing this year – it really is a Bucket-List event,' concluded Yeomans. From Abu Dhabi to Ajman, the series inspired newcomers and seasoned players alike — proving that golf's grassroots in the UAE are alive, thriving, and gaining global momentum. As the UAE's five champions prepare for their South Korean adventure on an all-expenses paid 7-day golfing extravaganza, the spotlight now shifts to Jeju Island, where dreams of global glory await — and the next chapter in their golfing journeys begins. UAE winners heading to Jeju Island:
Khaleej Times
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Gulati secures victory at Faldo Series. as Mateiu triumphs in thrilling girl's title showdow
Raghav Gulati made it a day to remember with a sensational final round of 65, propelling him to victory at the 2025 Faldo Series at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. With earlier rounds of 70 and 66, the 17-year-old from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club finished with a total of 201, nine under par, earning a three-shot victory over second-round leader Rayan Ahmed. But the story was far from simple. The drama reached its peak on the 54th tee as Gulati and Ahmed stood tied at eight under par, both in the final group. It was there, on the last hole, that a crucial birdie from Gulati and a double-bogey from Ahmed—who dramatically hooked his drive out of bounds—sealed the deal. Gulati, who has been honing his game under the guidance of Stephen Deane at Dubai Golf, revealed how critical his mental strength was to his success: "After 45 holes, Ahmed and I were very close. I had to stay mentally strong, especially after a rocky start in the first two rounds. But today, I shot a back nine of 31, with four birdies in a row—it was hugely satisfying." Gulati is aiming for bigger things ahead, looking to break into the Top 100 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) and secure an exemption for the 2025 US Junior Amateur Championship. For now, though, Gulati is shifting gears—'I have to go into exam mode,' he said, showing his balance of academic and athletic discipline. His victory also guarantees him a spot in the Faldo Series Grand Final, which will be held later this year at Al Ain, making the win even more rewarding as he prepares for the next level of competition. In the Girls' Division, it was a tightly contested race between Anca Mateiu from the Emirates Golf Club and Anayaa Sood from The Els Club, Dubai. With rounds of 69, 69, and 66, Mateiu triumphed with a six-under-par total, narrowly edging Sood by a single shot. Both players have proven themselves to be top-tier talents in UAE golf, and their friendly rivalry is one to watch as they continue to push each other to greater heights. With eight players finishing under par over the three rounds, the Faldo Series has once again highlighted the rising stars of the UAE golfing scene. Gulati and Mateiu are certainly names to watch as they continue to shine on the global stage. Final Results: R. Gulati (Dubai Creek) - 70, 66, 65 - 201 A. Mateiu (EGF) - 69, 69, 66 - 204 R. Ahmed (EGF) - 68, 66, 70 - 204 A. Sood (The Els Club, Dubai) - 70, 69, 66 - 205 L. Astrom (Jumeirah Golf Estates) - 68, 69, 68 - 205
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.
Khaleej Times
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Jack Cope leads after Round 2 at Clutch Pro Tour's Al Ain Championship
Jack Cope of England fired consecutive rounds of 65 for a 36-hole total of 130 (10-under-par) to lead the Clutch Pro Tour's Al Ain Championship at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi. The 54-hole tournament, locally sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), features a strong, oversubscribed field of 154 players—both male and female—including several UAE-based golfers competing against the best of the Clutch Pro Tour in their first event of the 2025 season. Starting his second round from the 1st tee, Cope carded an outward nine of 31, including four birdies. A bogey on the 10th was quickly offset by back-to-back birdies on the 11th and 12th, securing his second consecutive 65. He holds a two-shot lead heading into the final round. The cut fell at five-over-par, with 95 players advancing at four-over or better. Strong UAE Presence On the local scene, Alkyonie Aharidis (The Els Club, Dubai) delivered rounds of 68 and 64 for a 132 total, placing him in a tie for third. Other notable UAE-based players making the cut included: Victor Larsson (Amateur, The Els Club, Dubai) - 3 under Rami Samawi (Amateur, The Els Club, Dubai) - 1 under (winner of last week's JGE Amateur Open) Sana Tufail (Amateur, Yas Links Abu Dhabi) - Level par Thomas Buchard (Amateur, The Els Club, Dubai) - Level par Five additional UAE-based professionals and amateurs Round 2 Leading Scores (Par 70) Jack Cope (Eng) – 65, 65 (130) Jack Yule (Eng) – 64, 68 (132) Ashley Chesters (Eng) – 66, 66 (132) Alkyonie Aharidis (The Els Club, Dubai) – 68, 64 (132) Six players tied at 7 under For live scoring, visit: Clutch Pro Tour Scoring For all LIVE Scoring Visit:
Khaleej Times
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Four players tie for lead at Clutch Pro Tour UAE Championship in Al Ain
Four players shot an opening round of six under par 64 to lead the Clutch Pro Tour's GB Pounds 50,000 UAE Championship, held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi. UAE. Round one was suspended due to darkness with all players unable to complete their first rounds. Play will resume at 6.40 am for the players to complete their first rounds with the round two tee times remaining as originally published. Jack Yule (Eng), Sam Hessian (Eng), George Mason (Eng) and Mark Power (Ire) are at the top of the leaderboard as the tournament stands. The most attractive card of the day was handed in by Mason, representing Wath Golf Club, who started on tee 10 and went out in 30, five under par. Mason had five birdies without reply in his opening nine holes and secured three birdie twos on holes 13, 15 and 17 – to set up his impressive round. A bogey on hole 1, his 10 th hole was the only blemish to his card – with further birdies on holes 5 and 6 to hand in the joint best round of the day. Yule, representing Kings Lynn Golf Club, starting on hole 10, had just one bogey on his card, the second hold on the card – his 11 th . Hessian, representing Sunningdale Golf Club, and Power, representing Mount Juliet Golf Club, both had clean cards of six pars and no bogeys. On a day of strong scoring, 53 players beat the strict par of 70. The 54-hole tournament locally sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), saw an oversubscribed field of 154 players competing – both males and females with plenty of UAE players competing alongside the best of the Clutch Tour – their first tournament of the 2025 season. On the local scene leading scores came from a regular supporter of events in the UAE, James Nash (Ormskirk Golf Club, England), with a 66 in tied ninth, as well as amateur Viktor Larsson (The Els Club, Dubai) a 68 in tied 26 th alongside on the same score Alkyonie Aharidis (The Els Club, Dubai). For all LIVE Scoring Visit: Leaders (Par 70). The list of players includes J. Yule (Eng), S. Hessian (Eng), G. Mason (Eng), M. Power (Ire), J. Lando Casanova (Fr), J. Galbraith (Eng), J. Cope (Eng), J. Ayres (Eng), A. Chesters (Eng), M. Gauntlett (Eng), R. Brooks (Eng), H. Hussein (Eng), J. Nash (Wales), and J. Claridge (Eng).
