GCC

ABU DHABI, 13th April, 2023 (WAM) – Abu Dhabi is set to host The Challenge Tour in the UAE for the first time in five years with two events showcasing golf’s next generation of talent, along with a host of local players bidding to shine on the big stage.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO), the two events, the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from 27th to 30th April 2023, and the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club 4th to 7th May 2023, are part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), which aims to develop golf in the UAE 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. The EGF can also trade these places with other federations across the world to give their players an opportunity to play in Challenge Tour events overseas.

Excitement is starting to build ahead of the Challenge Tour’s return to the UAE for the first time in five years, with Emirati number one Ahmed Skaik raring to go after a year-long injury lay-off.

Skaik, who will be playing both tournaments, is aiming to replicate the form that saw him play his way into the history books just four months before injuring a disc in his lower back, which kept him out of competitive action for a year.

The UAE National fired the lowest DP World Tour round by an Emirati on the opening day of the 2021 AVIV Dubai Championship, with an impressive four under par 68 on the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Skaik said: “I’m very excited to get out there and play. 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 has 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…