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Khaleej Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Road to Jeju Island: UAE golfers chase the dream in thrilling Race to Korea finale
With the season's end looming and pressure mounting, the Race to Korea is entering its most electric chapter yet — a dramatic final sprint where dreams will be made or dashed on the fairways of the UAE. From Dubai's glistening desert courses to Abu Dhabi's coastal greens, this year's edition of the Race to Korea, presented by DUGASTA, has already rewritten the script. Participation numbers have soared to record-breaking heights, with 17 qualifiers across the Emirates bringing together the nation's most passionate amateur golfers, all chasing the same goal: a coveted spot at the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final in South Korea's breathtaking Jeju Island. Now, with only three qualifiers remaining, the tension is palpable. Three Events, One Last Shot For those yet to punch their ticket to the UAE National Final, the window is closing fast. But the opportunity still exists — if they can keep their nerve. Three events remain: Yas Links Abu Dhabi – Saturday, 3rd May Abu Dhabi City Golf Club – Sunday, 4th May Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai – Saturday, 10th May These final qualifiers promise high-stakes drama, with pressure mounting on every tee box and putt. The top five finishers in each division at these events will join the elite field at the UAE National Final, set for Saturday, 17th May at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa — the final battleground before the journey shifts to international soil. Jeju Island Beckons For five standout champions, victory in Abu Dhabi will mean more than a trophy — it will mean donning the UAE colours and boarding a flight to one of golf's most awe-inspiring destinations. Jeju Island, a volcanic gem off South Korea's southern coast, will host players from 47 countries at the WAGC World Final this October. It's a chance to compete globally, all expenses paid, and to experience the camaraderie, culture, and competition that make the WAGC unlike anything else in amateur golf. The Spirit of the Game Russell Yeomans of Sport2Business, the driving force behind the Race to Korea, is buzzing with pride. 'This season has been extraordinary. We've seen more players than ever before, and the standard of play has been phenomenal. It's a testament to the strength of UAE's amateur golf community," he said. He also had a message for those still sitting on the sidelines: 'There's still time to join. If you're over 18 and have a handicap of 25 or lower, this is your moment. The prizes are spectacular, but the memories — especially for our five national champions — will last a lifetime.' With the fairways narrowing and the finish line in sight, the Race to Korea is no longer just a tournament. It's a test of nerve, a showcase of emerging talent, and a celebration of what's possible when passion meets opportunity.
Khaleej Times
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Thriller at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club as 50 players battle in Race to Korea Qualifier
There was no shortage of excitement at the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club as a full roster of 50 enthusiastic golfers teed off in the latest qualifier for the prestigious 2025 Race to Korea presented by Dugasta. Stealing the spotlight was home club talent Adhip Shankar, who delivered a stellar performance that had fellow competitors talking. The 13-handicapper fired a gross 79, which translated to an eye-catching net 66 — the lowest score of the day. Shankar's steady round, featuring nines of 39 and 40, saw him cruise to a four-shot victory in Division 3, earning him not only bragging rights but also a coveted spot in the UAE National Final of the Race to Korea. The final showdown is set to take place at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Speaking on the momentum building around the series, Russell Yeomans of Sport2Business — the driving force behind Race to Korea and numerous other high-profile corporate golf events in the UAE — expressed his enthusiasm. 'We are delighted with the growing awareness of the Race to Korea, especially this season, in the UAE,' said Yeomans. 'We are getting record entries in all our events – it just shows it takes time to get the right positive message to golfers in the UAE. This Race to Korea Series are super friendly events where players can meet like-minded golfers as well as an opportunity for a very special prize for 5 lucky and talented winners.' Those five divisional champions will not only represent their clubs with pride — they'll also fly the UAE flag at the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final at Jeju Island, South Korea, later this year. The all-expenses-paid experience is expected to be nothing short of unforgettable. 'The UAE National Final will see the winners of the 5 Divisions qualify to represent the UAE in the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) in the World Final of the Race to Korea at Jeju Island later in the year. It is a fantastic all-expenses trip that is a 'Trip of a Lifetime,'' Yeomans added. 'We encourage all golfers, both male and female, aged over 21 years old, holding a valid EGF handicap of 25 or less to play. There are a few places left in the remaining qualifiers and entries are being taken on a first come – first served basis.' Results Division 1 (Handicap 5 and below) J. Vardy (Scr) – 74 Division 2 (Handicap 6 – 10) N. Maidment (10) – 70 Division 3 (Handicap 11 – 15) A. Shankar (13) – 66 Division 4 (Handicap 16 – 20) S. Mohammed (18) – 71 Division 5 (Handicap 21 – 25) P. Szopa (25) – 75
Khaleej Times
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Race to Korea heats up at Ajman's Al Zorah Club: Gaur steals the show with stunning 65
The 2025 Race to Korea, presented by Dugasta, rolled into the scenic Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman, where over 70 golfers teed it up in one of the most anticipated stops on the 17-tournament schedule. And it was Rajesh Gaur (23) who turned heads, firing a sensational net 65 to post the round of the day and cruise to victory in Division 5 (handicap 20.5 – 25.4) by a commanding five-shot margin. With nines of 43 and 45, his consistent play sent a strong message—and likely triggered a swift handicap review. There are just four qualifying rounds left before the season enters its decisive stretch, making every point count as players chase a spot in the UAE National Final at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa on Saturday, 17th May 2025. Competition across all five Divisions was fierce, with winning scores of net 68, 69, and two 71s securing the top spots in Divisions 3, 4, 2 and 1 respectively. The UAE National Final promises high stakes: each Division winner will earn the honor of representing the UAE at the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) – the Race to Korea World Final – on Jeju Island, South Korea, from 31st October to 8th November, 2025. The global finale will bring together players from over 45 nations, all vying for the title of 2025 World Champion. Sport2Business, the tournament organizers, were full of praise for Al Zorah's upgraded facilities. Promoter Russell Yeomans said, ' We had a great day at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club. We were all impressed with the new clubhouse set-up – it was our first visit with the Race to Korea - which certainly enhances the experience for everyone in our group. We all wondered on the day how we managed to run events from the old facilities at the other end of the golf course.' The Race to Korea is sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and open to all EGF members—whether from affiliated clubs or as direct members—aged 18 and above with a maximum handicap of 25. Spots for the final qualifying rounds are limited and going fast, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. Upcoming Qualifying Fixtures: To register or learn more, visit: Al Zorah Results Recap:
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Race to Korea heats up: Only eight qualifying rounds left to secure a spot
The clock is ticking down on the 2025 Race to Korea, presented by Dugasta, with just eight qualifying rounds left to secure a spot in the UAE National Final. Organizers from Sport2Business recently made the exciting announcement, signalling the closing moments of a thrilling season. Since its kickoff in April 2025, the event has featured 17 intense qualifying rounds at some of the UAE's top golf courses. Now, as the competition heats up, players are looking ahead to the final stages, where the top contenders will face off for the ultimate prize. The top performers from each divisional round will move on to the UAE National Final, set for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the stunning Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. The winners of the divisions at this prestigious event will earn the incredible honor of representing the UAE at the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) Final on Jeju Island, South Korea, in late October and early November 2025. This prestigious world final will welcome participants from around 47 countries, adding to the excitement and prestige of the competition. Fantastic First Half Russell Yeomans, Tournament Director for Sport2Business, the promoter of the UAE's Race to Korea and sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), shared his excitement about the season so far: "We've had a fantastic first half of the season in this year's Race to Korea, and we're now gearing up for the final rounds. The remaining eight fixtures are open for registration on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage all eligible golfers to sign up quickly," Yeomans said. "As we approach the business end of the season, we urge all golfers with an Official EGF Handicap to take part in this exciting event. It's more than just a competition—there's a very special prize awaiting the winners of each division." The competition is open to EGF members, both from EGF clubs and EGF Direct members. To enter, players must be 18 years of age or older, with a maximum handicap of 25. For more details and to secure your spot, visit: Remaining Qualifying Fixtures The clock is ticking, and golfers still have a chance to compete in the remaining eight qualifying rounds:
