AR
Emirates Golf Federation Vice President and Arab Golf Federation Asia Pacific Representative, Major General Abdullah Al Hashmi, has been elected Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC).
Al Hashmi’s new position has been announced, alongside New Zealand’s Philip Hassall, who has been confirmed as the next Chairman of the region’s ruling golfing body.
The duo will assume their posts when Taimur Hassan Amin completes his term in office at the Confederation’s annual general meeting in Dubai in late October.
Major General Al Hashmi has served on the Board of Directors of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation since November 2022. His new role is a reflection of the progress of Arab golf and further strengthens the presence of Arabs in shaping the future of the game at a continental level.
“I’m honoured to be appointed as Vice Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation and look forward to contributing to further elevating the status of golf in the region and the APGC on the global stage,” said General Abdulla.
With more than 45 countries affiliated to the APGC, including the United Arab Emirates, the Confederation’s mission is to strengthen bonds of friendship among member associations and other representative organisations in world golf through friendly competition. It also supports member associations in developing the game within their respective countries, while ensuring adherence to the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status as approved by The R&A.
In conjunction with The R&A, the International Golf Federation and Augusta National Golf Club, the APGC stages a number of amateur championships including the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP), the Queen Sirikit Cup, the Nomura Cup and several other elite amateur events.
Emirates Golf Club Majlis Course
The UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation will host the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course in Dubai from 23–26 October 2025, having previously staged the event in 2021 at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
Created in February 2009, the AAC is a joint initiative between the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, the Masters Tournament and The R&A to grow the game in the region. The winner receives invitations to both the Masters Tournament and The Open, while the runner(s)-up earn a place in The Open Qualifying Series.
The 120-player field each year comprises the leading male amateurs from across the Asia-Pacific region, invited through the 42 APGC member organisations.
Departing Taimur Hassan Amin said: “These are exciting times for Asian golf in general, and for the APGC in particular. I have every confidence that the new Chairman-designate Philip Hassall and Vice Chairman General Abdulla will guide the Confederation with wisdom and vision. Under their leadership. I’m sure the region’s rise in the global golfing world will continue.
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