Team UAE Set for Pivotal Week at Emirates Golf Club
The 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) is set to take place next week at the renowned Majlis Course of Emirates Golf Club. This prestigious event will showcase the best amateur golfers from across the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the emerging golfing talent in the Middle East.
Progress of Team UAE
As the championship approaches, Team UAE finds itself at a crucial juncture in its development. Kieren Pratt, Operations Director of the Emirates Golf Federation, remarks on the progress made by the national team over the last two years. “All of the boys have been putting in a lot more work,” Pratt observes. “General Abdullah Al Hashmi, President of the EGF, is very keen to see them succeed, and they’ve taken that on board.”
Communication with head coach Faycal Serghini has also intensified, with the team focusing on timing their peak performances for key tournaments. “They’re in a really good place right now,” Pratt adds, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming AAC.
Recent Achievements and Support
Ahmad Skaik, a 28-year-old member of Team UAE, reflects on the team’s accomplishments. “We’ve done well recently—we finished second at the Pan-Arab Championship for the first time, and we won gold at the GCC Championship in Saudi Arabia.” He emphasizes the desire to take their skills to larger platforms.
Rayan Ahmed highlights the critical support received from the Emirates Golf Federation, which has facilitated travel and access to premier golf courses, allowing them to compete in numerous events. “It’s a level of support that many golfers around the world don’t get,” he says, underscoring their privilege.
Significance of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
The AAC stands as a significant amateur tournament on the global stage, with past participants like Hideki Matsuyama and Cameron Smith rising to prominence on major tours. The champion of the 2025 event will receive exemptions into both the 2026 Masters Tournament and the 154th Open Championship, while the runner-up secures a spot in Open Final Qualifying.
The Majlis Course, inaugurated in 1988, is celebrated as the first grass course in the region and a Middle Eastern golfing landmark. It hosts the Hero Dubai Desert Classic each year, featuring renowned champions such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Hosting Excellence at Emirates Golf Club
Pratt notes the level of professionalism observed in hosting the AAC, citing meticulous attention to detail. “The Masters and The R&A teams have been incredibly professional with every small detail,” he states. “They consider everything: from tablecloth arrangements at the welcome reception to where photos are taken. They haven’t missed a single thing.”
This level of care sets a benchmark for event hosting, and Pratt expresses enthusiasm about learning from the operational aspects of such a significant tournament.
Competing on Home Soil
The 16th edition of the AAC includes 21 Arab golfers from ten Middle Eastern countries, alongside a diverse international field. Team UAE will be represented by Skaik, Ahmed, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Abdulla Kalbat. The tournament will commence on October 23 and is anticipated to deliver a memorable experience for both competitors and spectators, reinforcing the UAE’s status in the golfing world.
The Majlis Course will serve as an emblem of excellence for this year’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, illuminating the future of golf in the region.
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