Abu Dhabi is set to host the most important amateur golf tournament in the world this month, with 36 nations represented in both the men’s and women’s competitions at the World Amateur Team Championships.

The men will fight it out over Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course for the Eisenhower Trophy from October 18-21 before the women contest the Espirito Santo Trophy from October 25-28, the first time the event has been held in the Middle East.

One man who has high hopes for the home nation — both on and off the course — is Ahmad Skaik, the UAE’s No.1 amateur golfer, and he can’t wait to get started once again to fly the flag after an injury-disrupted year. 

“I am very excited of course, as it is always an honour to represent the country on such stages and having it at home makes the occasion even bigger and better,” Skaik told Golf Digest Middle East.

“The course isn’t one that I would say suits my eye but I have good memories there, so I will keep that in my mind always and I’m sure that it will help me. 

“I am excited to play it this time as last year in France I was not able to play because of my back injury, so I am very happy to be able to be part of the team and compete this time.”

After graduating last year, Skaik had big plans for 2023, including the possibility of turning professional, but his troublesome back pushed back his schedule. However, now it is full steam ahead once again.

“The season has been tough, but I’m putting in the work and making big changes in my game which I am sure will help in the future,” he said. “I used to always worry about what is happening and that I want to play well, but I have changed the mentality. Of course, I want and will always try to play well but I would rather do the changes now and struggle in the process and get it good than postpone the changes until the future. 

“For the injury, I have an acute disc which will probably stay with me my whole life, so I always have to be careful and stay on top of things, especially with physio and gym work.”

As for turning pro, that is still on the agenda in the near future.

“Hopefully by the end of the year or beginning of next year,” he said. “Only time will tell but for now, my focus is on the Asian games, the WATC, and the Asian Pacific.

“I finished college last year in May and I got injured two weeks after that, so I didn’t really get to enjoy it, but now I am really enjoying having nothing else to worry about other than golf.”

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