Latest news with #UAENationalTeam
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
One Shot at a Time: Anca Matheiu's journey from Tiny Tot to chasing big dreams in Dubai
At just 16, Anca Mateiu is living a golfing journey that many only dream of. Born and raised in Romania, now thriving in the UAE, her story is powered by raw talent, deep passion, and an unshakable ambition. It all began when she was just three or four years old when her father placed a golf club—two sizes too big—into her tiny hands and encouraged her to give it a try. "They were regular clubs, too big to handle but I felt a spark and everything just went from there," she recalls with a smile. That first swing marked the start of something special. 'In the beginning, it was about playing for my dad because he got me into it. That was important to me.' That early start laid the groundwork for where she is today. Anca is the 2025 Ladies Club Champion at Emirates Golf Club, proudly represents the UAE National Team on international stages like the Pan Arab and GCC Championships. She's also the 2021 Romanian National Junior Girls Champion—a nod to her roots and a reflection of how far she's come. Thriving on Dubai Fairways But it's her time in Dubai that has truly accelerated her growth. 'It's been life-changing,' she says. 'In Romania, I didn't have the opportunity to play that much golf. But over here in Dubai, I've really been able to play the game as much as I can.' The access to world-class facilities, experienced coaches like Marion Duvernay and the ability to train all year round have all contributed to shaping her game. Anca trains across three premier courses—Emirates, Jumeirah, and Dubai Hills—while balancing her studies at Kings' School, practice, and tournaments. Though the schedule is demanding, she remains grounded. 'I try not to think too much on the course. I just take it one shot at a time and stay in the moment,' she explains. 'If I get ahead of myself, things don't happen the way I want them to. So I always focus on my routine and aim for the best possible outcome.' This mindset, along with her unwavering work ethic, has set her apart—not just as a talented golfer, but as someone deeply passionate about the sport asshe pursues her aspirations 'I'd love to turn pro. It's been my dream,' she says with conviction. 'I want to play golf for the rest of my life.' Pathway to Turning Pro Her goal is to join the LET Access Tour, and with the continued support of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), she hopes that day will come sooner rather than later. Anca holds deep appreciation for those who have championed her journey, especially General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the EGF. 'He's been incredible,' she says. 'The support from him and the EGF has helped me focus and improve. It's made a huge difference.' When asked where her allegiance lies—Romania or the UAE—Anca responds thoughtfully. While she hasn't made a definitive decision about which country she wants to represent long-term, she shares that her ties to both are meaningful. 'More UAE right now,' she says. To young girls in the Middle East dreaming of a golfing future, Anca has a clear message: 'There's so much on offer in Dubai. If you're serious about golf, you have to devote a lot of time to practice. As cheesy as it sounds—try to get one percent better every day. Stay focused, keep practicing, and improvement will come.' Family Keeps Her Grounded But more than that, she emphasizes the value of having a solid support system. 'You need people around you who understand what you want from the game. When you don't play well, or things don't go your way, your team—especially your family—is what keeps you going.' Anca Matheiu is not just one of the UAE's finest young golfers—she's a symbol of what passion and purpose can achieve. With her eyes set on a professional career and a heart full of dreams, every shot she takes now feels like a step toward the future she's always imagined—living her dream on the Pro Tour.
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.
Dubai Eye
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Emirati golfer makes history at UAE Challenge
Ahmad Skaik has made history, becoming the first Emirati ever to make the cut at a European Tour group event. The UAE's top amateur delivered a stunning finish to his second round at the UAE Challenge (HotelPlanner Tour), finishing at four-under-par. Over the final three holes, Skaik went birdie-birdie-eagle, carding a five-under 67 at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman. The 27-year-old, who is a member of the UAE National Team, started the day with some ups and downs but stayed patient, making his eagle on the par-five 18th after a perfect drive and a 12-foot putt. Looking ahead to the weekend, Skaik is aiming for more history, with a goal to go double digits under par. "I told my dad yesterday, I'm going to make birdie on the last to make the cut, because I triple-bogeyed it," he said. "So, I'll take eagle for sure! It's very tough to make 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!" "It feels amazing." 🇦🇪 Ahmad Skaik becomes the first UAE amateur to make the cut at a #HotelPlannerTour event 👏 — HotelPlanner Tour (@HPlanner_Tour) April 11, 2025 Skaik's performance marks a major milestone for UAE golf and highlights the success of the Emirates Golf Federation's (EGF) partnership with the European Tour to develop local talent. 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 around the world. Meanwhile, South Africa's JC Ritchie, France's Oihan Guillamoundeguy, and Ireland's Mark Power share the lead at ten under par after rounds of 70, 67, and 67. Guillamoundeguy was another player who got the better of Al Zorah's closing holes, finishing his round with consecutive birdies. "Always nice to finish birdie-birdie. I hit two good shots and made two birdies in a row to finish, so that's really good," said the 20-year-old. "I played really well today. There were a couple of mistakes, but I bounced back really well. "I'm feeling good; I love the place. I have some friends who came here to support me, so I'm feeling good, and I'm ready for this weekend." Christoffer Bring and fellow Dane John Axelsen lie one shot back alongside England's Will Hopkins at nine under. Dubai resident Adri Arnaus enjoyed another strong day, matching his 68 from the first round to move to eight under for the tournament. The UAE's Joshua Grenville-Wood is also in contention. The 27-year-old mirrored compatriot Skaik with an eagle at the last to sign for 68 and move to six under par.
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Grenville-Wood banking on home advantage in pursuit of maiden UAE Challenge victory
UAE-based professional Joshua Grenville-Wood is hoping to turn local knowledge into silverware as he chases a first career victory at this week's UAE Challenge, taking place at the stunning Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman from April 10–13. The 27-year-old, who began representing the UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) in 2023, has been a resident of the country for the past six years and is no stranger to Al Zorah's challenging coastal layout—knowledge he believes could give him the edge as he competes against a strong international field on the HotelPlanner Tour. 'I'm looking forward it,' said Grenville-Wood, who celebrated his birthday today (Wednesday). 'It's a new golf course for most people but I've played quite a lot here. I've been coming up here a lot more the last few months, once or twice a week, it's a great golf course. I love playing here, it suits a long hitter which is nice. 'It can blow around here, especially on the holes near the ocean, but that's what makes this course pretty tough at times. When you get a bit of wind, some of these par 4s can easily start to feel like par 5s!' Near Misses Grenville-Wood has come close to a breakthrough victory over the last two seasons, finishing runner-up in the 2024 Delhi Challenge and the inaugural Abu Dhabi Challenge in 2023 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. This week, he'll go up against a competitive international field featuring DP World Tour winners and rising stars on the Road to Mallorca. He credits the Emirates Golf Federation's support and vision as a major driver of his progress. 'The opportunities I've had from the UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation – I can't thank them enough,' he said. 'I've been able to play in a lot more DP World Tour events, especially in the Middle East. Playing in these events and learning from those guys on the DP World Tour, is huge.' The UAE Challenge is more than just another stop on the HotelPlanner Tour schedule—it's a key component of the EGF's wider mission to develop homegrown talent and create tangible, competitive pathways for UAE-based players to reach the highest levels of the sport. Strong UAE representation This week, several UAE National Team players will tee it up alongside Grenville-Wood, including Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rayan Ahmed—fresh from making history at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship. Also in the field are regional amateurs from the Arab Golf Federation, UAE-based club professionals, and international federation trades—an inclusive mix that showcases the growing strength and diversity of golf in the UAE and beyond. 'Having the opportunity to tee it up with Tour pros on a really good golf course in really good condition, is so important for players' development,' said Grenville-Wood. 'You learn so much during weeks like these when you're a young golfer which can really drive you on to reach the levels these guys are at. 'I'm very proud to represent the UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation, it's a big deal for me. To represent these guys who have such a huge vision for golf and for growing the game in this region, it's awesome.' The UAE Challenge is the first of two back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events in the country, followed by the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from April 17–20. Both events are central to the EGF's long-term strategy, developed in partnership with the DP World Tour, to grow the game, support local players, and position the UAE as a hub for elite-level golf. Crucial support for each tournament comes from UAE-headquartered Arena, Al Laith and eGolf Megastore, while further support for the Abu Dhabi Challenge comes from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism. Golf fans can attend both events free of charge, with world-class action on display throughout the two weeks.
Khaleej Times
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Skaik hails impact of HotelPlanner Tour and Emirates Golf Federation partnership
UAE National Team star Ahmad Skaik is eagerly preparing for his return to the HotelPlanner Tour's (formerly Challenge Tour) double-header in the UAE next month, an essential step in his progression toward turning professional. For the third consecutive year, the DP World Tour's official feeder circuit will grace UAE shores, with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) co-promoting the two high-profile tournaments. The action kicks off with the UAE Challenge from April 10-13 at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, which will host a European Tour Group-sanctioned event for the first time. The tour then heads to Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi Challenge, staged at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from April 17-20. These back-to-back events not only showcase rising stars and DP World Tour winners fighting their way back to golf's global stage but also play a crucial role in developing UAE National Team players, along with UAE-based professionals and amateurs. This progress is made possible through the EGF's long-standing partnership with the European Tour group, which secures 30 tournament spots for UAE players across the two events. This initiative builds on the European Tour group's commitment to nurturing golf in the UAE until at least 2032. Skaik has been a key beneficiary of these opportunities over the past two years and will once again tee it up alongside fellow UAE National Team players, including Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Rayan Ahmed, Mohammad Skaik, and Neyl Cherrat. 'The partnership has been very, very valuable,' said Skaik. 'I feel like I get better every time I play on the HotelPlanner Tour – I grow my character, I learn and believe I can one day compete and win there. The players on the Tour are a bit sharper, make fewer mistakes and are a bit more consistent – I feel like I'm getting there. I just need to keep practicing and doing what I'm doing, and hopefully one day I can win there and on the DP World Tour.' Exposure to elite competition has been transformative for Ahmad Skaik's journey toward his ultimate goal of turning professional - possibly as soon as the end of this year, following the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in the UAE. Last month, the 27-year-old delivered a career-defining performance at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship, where he clinched both individual and team gold medals for the UAE at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Saudi Arabia. His record-breaking 18-under-par total of 270 set a new benchmark for the lowest score in the championship's history, accompanied by the largest winning margin in the individual category. This historic achievement was built on the foundation of valuable experience gained from playing 12 HotelPlanner Tour events over the past two years. Thanks to the EGF's exchange of tournament spots with other golf federations, UAE players like Skaik have been able to compete in HotelPlanner Tour events worldwide, gaining exposure and honing their skills on an international stage. 'Playing these events always helps me stay on top of things,' said Skaik. 'I want to work hard and be confident heading to these events so I can compete. When I'm playing well, I want to play more and more - I love it when I have three or four upcoming HotelPlanner Tour starts as I learn from them and get better as the weeks go by.' Next month's double-header on the HotelPlanner Tour will offer more than just high-level competition for the EGF's players - it will also mark a new chapter for two of the federation's newly appointed full-time rules officials. Thai twins Sasinun and Sasikarn Tungbenjapol will make their debut on the HotelPlanner Tour, bringing a wealth of experience from their time as tournament referees on the Thai LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour, and Asian Tour.
