GOLFING

UAE Cup Tees Off Where Global Talent Meets Desert Excellence

Golf enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the first edition of the UAE Cup, sponsored by HSBC, scheduled to take place from October 25-27, 2024, at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. The tournament aims to showcase the best amateur golfers from both the UAE and across the globe, setting the stage for three days of thrilling competition under the desert sun.
Organized by the Emirates Golf Federation, the event will bring together top national players along with leading international amateurs. The Elite division will run throughout the three days, offering participants the opportunity to earn World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. The top male player will be awarded a place in a Challenge Tour event, while the best female golfer will secure an invitation to a Ladies European Tour event.
Apart from the Elite competition, the weekend will also feature the UAE Nationals tournament. Additionally, young players will have their moment to shine in the Future Falcons Par 3 Championship, designed to welcome juniors of all abilities.

General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, expressed his excitement about hosting the UAE Cup. He remarked that the event would highlight the exceptional talent of amateur golfers from around the world while fostering stronger international ties within the sport. He added that the collaboration between national and international players reflected their vision for the future of golf in the UAE. General Alhashmi also noted that events like this would enhance the country’s reputation on the global golfing stage. As participants prepare to compete in Al Ain, he anticipated three unforgettable days of sport and camaraderie, which would establish a new benchmark for amateur golf in the region.

The tournament promises to attract high-profile amateur players, including Ireland’s Emma Fleming, who has already made her debut on the Ladies European Tour. Singapore’s Justin Kuk, a recent winner of his country’s amateur open and a debutant on the Asian Development Tour, is also expected to compete.
The UAE will be strongly represented by talented local players, including Ahmad Skaik, a three-time Presidents Cup winner, and his younger brother Mohammad Skaik, who recently caught attention with a brilliant round of 66 at the Boys Pan Arab Youth Championships in Tunisia.

Mohammad expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying he looked forward to playing against such a competitive field from different countries. He shared that it would be a special achievement for him to win the tournament as a UAE national, especially with the added significance of it being a WAGR event. He emphasized that it was a great opportunity to demonstrate the skill and talent of UAE players on a larger stage.
With support from HSBC and other partners, the UAE Cup is set to become a landmark event in the region. The tournament aims to nurture future talent and strengthen the UAE’s standing in competitive golf, offering players and spectators alike an unforgettable experience.