Excitement is starting to build ahead of the Challenge Tour’s return to the UAE for the first time in five years, with Emirati No.1 Ahmad Skaik raring to go after a long-term injury lay-off.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will showcase the stars of tomorrow along with a host of local players when the season-long Road to Mallorca visits the Abu Dhabi Challenge (April 27-30) and UAE Challenge (May 4-7).
The two events are part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), which aims to develop golf in the United Arab Emirates for at least the next decade.
Thirty spots in each tournament will be allocated to the EGF to help create playing opportunities and provide a pathway for Emirati golfers.
Skaik, who will be playing both tournaments, is aiming to replicate the form that saw him play his way into the history books at the 2021 AVIV Dubai Championship shortly before a back injury sidelined him for seven months.
The UAE national fired the lowest DP World Tour round by an Emirati in the opening round with an impressive four under par 68 on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
“I’m very excited to get out there and play,” Skaik told media at a European Tour group hosted iftar ahead of the double-header.
“I’ve obviously played at Abu Dhabi Golf Club many times and during the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, so I’m looking forward to seeing how they will set the course up for a Challenge Tour event.
“Playing in tournaments like this will help my game, especially coming back from injury. It gives me vital experience of playing in bigger events and under pressure which then helps me deal with pressure in some of the smaller events.”
While the Emirates Golf Federation have 30 spots to use in each tournament they can elect to trade these places with other federations across the world to give UAE players the opportunity to play in Challenge Tour events overseas, with Skaik expected to play five more additional tournaments on this year’s Road to Mallorca.
The Emirati star will go up against the likes of Road to Mallorca leader Ugo Coussaud, who catapulted to the top of the Rankings with victory at last month’s The Challenge presented by KGA, and Matteo Manassero, who remains the youngest winner in DP World Tour history with victory in the 2010 Castello Masters at 17 years and 188 days.
“The first step for the EGF was signing a long term partnership with the European Tour group last year and the second step was to bring the Challenge Tour back to the UAE,” said Akram Skaik, Director General, Emirates Golf Federation.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to trade spots with federations across the world, which gives our National Team players the experience of playing in big tournaments overseas. This will only benefit the development of our squad, ensuring they get an understanding and exposure to competing against professional players.”
Freddie Schmeisser, Head of Championships, DP World Tour Middle East, added: “We’re delighted to bring the Challenge Tour back to the UAE for these two fantastic events which form a key part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation aimed at growing the game of golf in this country at all levels.
“It’s fantastic that UAE based players are getting the opportunity to play with up and coming stars on the Challenge Tour, who are all fighting for a DP World Tour card. The experience they are going to gain is priceless and having back-to-back events elevates that even more. Our players from the UAE know both courses better than anybody so we’re hoping they can use that to their advantage.”
Golf fans in the Middle East are encouraged to come down to both events to support Skaik and the stars of tomorrow with entry free of charge and no ticket required.
