Modern professional golf looks very different from the game it was 20 years ago. Today’s players travel constantly, train like elite athletes and rely heavily on support teams to stay healthy and competitive throughout a relentless season. At the heart of that support system on the HotelPlanner Tour are Therapy Lead Poora Singh and Strength and Conditioning Lead William Wayland. Between them, they help players manage everything from recovery and rehabilitation to training, sleep and workload management — all while navigating the unique pressures of life on tour.

● ● ●

What does a typical tournament week look like for you both?

Poora Singh: During a typical week on the DP World Tour and HotelPlanner Tour, we’ll usually arrive on the Monday and recce the venue. We’ll find out where the treatment unit is, where access to emergency services is, where the gym and recovery areas are and all those kinds of things. Then we’ll start on Tuesday morning. On the HotelPlanner Tour, players book 30-minute treatment sessions through our booking system, and we’ll usually work from around 10am until 6pm.

Once the tournament starts, the days become much longer. Wednesday is a pro-am day, so we’ll start at 7am and work through until 6pm. That then continues through Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with Sunday usually finishing around lunchtime. On average, we’ll each see around 18 players a day, so it can be very intense.

On the DP World Tour, there are more physios and no booking system because there are usually three physios on at all times. The working day runs from an hour and a half before the first tee time until an hour and a half after the final group comes in. At events like The Open, where tee times can start at 6am, you’re arriving at 4am or 4:30am. The hours are demanding, but that comes with the territory.

William Wayland: I generally arrive on the Monday as well and assess what facilities we have available. Sometimes we’ll have a gym truck on site, but that’s not always the case on the HotelPlanner Tour, so we often have to find local gyms or training facilities nearby and organise access for players during the week.

Typically, I’m there from early Tuesday morning until around 6pm, then the same again on Wednesday.

Most of the work is one-to-one coaching with players. That can include physical testing, training sessions, programming adjustments or rehab support where players have been referred over by the physios.

There are also players who work with us regularly throughout the season, while others might only come in occasionally for assessments or specific help.

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How physically demanding is modern professional golf compared to what people might expect?

WW: The sport has become increasingly physically demanding and you can see that in the players themselves. They’re taller, heavier, more muscular, more explosive and generally much stronger than golfers were 20 years ago. That tells you something fundamental has changed in the nature of the game.

In the past, there wasn’t a huge physical gap between golfers and athletes in other sports. Now, the physicality of elite golfers has changed dramatically, particularly over the last two decades, and that’s reflected in the style of golf they play.

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What are the most common injuries or issues you deal with?

PS: If we’re talking purely about areas of the body, lower back issues are the most common, followed closely by hips, necks, shoulders, wrists and knees.

A lot of what we see are fatigue-based injuries. Players might have been on the road for six or seven weeks straight, not recovering properly, not sleeping well enough or not maintaining good nutrition and training habits.

You have to remember they could be hitting 200 to 300 balls a day, then playing tournament rounds, finishing late in the evening, trying to recover and eat properly, then waking up at 5am for another early tee time. It’s incredibly demanding physically. If those recovery habits aren’t in place, eventually the body struggles to keep up.

Then there are also the more unpredictable injuries. A player can hit a hidden root or a heavy divot and hurt their wrist, elbow or shoulder. We’ve had players tear calf muscles or Achilles tendons after slipping on hills. But generally, I’d say the biggest risk comes from repetition and volume rather than the sport itself.

● ● ●

Is the growing emphasis on speed in golf contributing to those injuries?

PS: Absolutely. Everybody wants to hit the ball further now, but to create speed you also need the ability to control and decelerate that speed safely. That only comes from proper conditioning, training and understanding how the body works.

WW: To tolerate those forces, you need a certain level of physical robustness. If players don’t have that — or if they’re constantly chasing more speed — eventually tissue tolerance breaks down somewhere and that’s usually when injuries happen.

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So a large part of your work is injury prevention rather than simply treatment?

PS: Definitely. A huge part of what we do is education. We try to teach players good habits and help them understand that while manual therapy and treatment have their place, you can’t beat good athletic habits, sensible training and proper nutrition.

Those things are what keep players healthy and available to compete week after week.

● ● ●

What recovery methods are players relying on most during tournaments?

WW: The biggest thing for us is what we call performance lifestyle planning. At the top of that is sleep. Everything is downstream from sleep. If players aren’t sleeping properly, injury risk goes up, illness risk goes up, fatigue increases and performance suffers. We spend a lot of time talking about sleep hygiene — keeping rooms cool and dark, avoiding screens and stimulants before bed and creating a proper environment for recovery.

Nutrition is another huge factor. One thing we often see during the season is players unintentionally losing weight because they underestimate how many calories they’re burning. If they lose muscle mass and strength across the season, injury risk increases and performance can drop.

Then there’s training itself. We want players following well-rounded strength and conditioning programmes that support what they’re trying to achieve physically.

One thing we always say is to avoid making dramatic changes during the season. Introducing too much novelty mid-season can create problems.

There’s also the mental side of tour life. It can be lonely and mentally draining, so having strong relationships with friends, coaches and family is incredibly important.

Finally, we encourage players to monitor how much golf they’re actually playing. Golfers often manage their own workloads and sometimes they’re not very good at recognising when they’re doing too much.

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Poora, you’ve been around the game for nearly two decades. How have you seen golfers change during that time?

PS: Massively. When I first came into golf, player support was incredibly basic. You’d have a treatment table in the locker room and maybe a few resistance bands.

I came from a high-performance athletics background where sports science and conditioning were already standard, so when I joined golf I was shocked by how little of that existed. A lot of it was cultural. Golf had this old-school mentality where people believed weights would make golfers slower and that players only needed to practise golf itself.

Over time, through the work of the European Tour Performance Institute and the support systems on the HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour, we’ve helped re-educate players and coaches about the athletic side of performance.

Now, players understand that if they want to compete consistently across six or seven events in a row, they need to treat themselves like elite athletes. I’m genuinely very proud of how far things have come.

● ● ●

What separates the players who stay healthy all year from those who struggle physically?

PS: The players who stay healthy are usually the ones with the best habits and routines. Some younger players still come from environments where they’ve been told to just play golf and everything else will take care of itself. But once they experience life on tour, they realise very quickly that isn’t enough.

The standard on the HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour is incredibly high. If you can win on the HotelPlanner Tour, you’re good enough to compete at the very highest level. The players who succeed long-term are the ones who look at what elite players are doing and adopt those same professional habits around training, nutrition and recovery.

● ● ●

You also seem to create a relaxed and supportive environment for players. How important is that?

PS: It’s a very conscious part of what we do because tour life can be lonely. We want players to feel comfortable coming into our space, whether that’s for treatment, recovery or simply to switch off mentally for a while. Sometimes a player just wants to sit in recovery boots, listen to music and relax. Sometimes they need somewhere quiet to sleep for an hour. It’s about creating an environment where players feel safe and supported.

WW: It becomes a kind of third space for players. They spend all day around competitors, either on the course or in the clubhouse, so having somewhere they can properly relax and let their guard down makes a huge difference.

Some players don’t even come in to train — they just want to sit down and talk. That in itself can be really valuable during a long season.

● ● ●

Is it difficult stopping players from overtraining?

WW: It depends on the individual because golfers tend to be very process-driven people. A lot of them want to optimise everything — sleep, diet, routines, recovery — and because golf is such a technical and psychological sport, players can become very analytical about performance. We encourage them to take a balanced, holistic approach rather than becoming obsessed with any one method. But generally, if players overdo anything, it’s usually golf itself.

One of the biggest injury mechanisms in golf is simply too much golf. We rarely see injuries caused by sensible strength and conditioning work. It’s usually the repetitive volume of golf practice and competition that creates problems.

● ● ●

How important is it for the two of you to work closely together?

WW: We work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, so we’re constantly referring players between each other. A player might come to Poora with an issue and then be referred to me because there are underlying strength or movement deficiencies that need addressing.

Likewise, if I feel something is more medical or rehab-focused and outside my expertise, I’ll refer the player back to Poora. It’s a very collaborative relationship.

PS: The medical team is involved as well. If we feel a player needs scans or medical assessment, we’ll bring the doctor in and make decisions together. The players are always looked after collectively.

WW: It also helps that me and Poora genuinely like each other. That makes the whole environment work better because there’s trust within the team.

PS: I trust Will completely and I know the players are in world-class hands with him.

That’s a huge part of building a successful multi-disciplinary team — making sure everyone is highly skilled, experienced and working together towards the same goal.

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But with the recent regional instability, inbound tourism has undoubtedly been affected, with golf operators across the Gulf experiencing a slowdown in international travel.

Yet rather than stalling momentum, many clubs have used the period to strengthen their local communities and diversify the golfing experience.

Golf Digest Middle East spoke to three leading figures within the regional golf industry to explore how the game has responded to recent challenges — and why many believe the Middle East is entering its most important growth period yet.

Kieren Pratt – EGF Director of Operations, Saif Thabit – Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Akram Skaik – EGF Director General

“At first, we saw next to zero international guests coming to play during March and April, when we would normally expect overseas rounds to be through the roof,” says Kieren Pratt, Director of Operations at the Emirates Golf Federation.

“What we noticed though was a shift toward more community-based events,” he explains. “There was a greater emphasis on inviting local residents and UAE nationals into the clubs, which created a very welcoming environment.”

That shift extended beyond just the desert fairways. Food and beverage outlets became increasingly important social spaces, helping clubs maintain strong engagement despite reduced tourism.

DJ Flanders – Executive Vice President of Troon International

DJ Flanders, Executive Vice President of Troon International, believes the resilience of the resident market surprised many outside the region, looking in.

“There is no question the regional situation impacted inbound tourism and international golf travel,” says Flanders. “What has been really encouraging is how resilient the local golf market has remained, especially in the UAE.”

According to Flanders, golf clubs across the region have evolved into broader lifestyle destinations.

“Golf clubs today are doing a lot more than simply selling tee times,” he says. “They’ve become lifestyle and community hubs where dining, entertainment, family events, wellness, and social activities all play a much bigger role.”

Chris May – CEO Viya

That transformation has become increasingly visible across the UAE’s leading golf destinations. Chris May, CEO Viya, says clubs that invested heavily in membership experience before the recent challenges were better positioned to navigate the downturn in overseas visitors.

“We saw a significant number of overseas golf rounds cancelled initially,” says May. “But the additional tee-time availability became very popular with members during some of the peak golfing months.”

May says clubs across the UAE experienced a renewed sense of camaraderie during the period.

“I’ve seen a great level of community feel in all our clubs,” he says. “Members really valued the fact that clubs remained operational and continued providing a feeling of belonging during uncertain times.”

Rayan Ahmed – Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit 2025/2026 season

That sense of belonging is shaping a new era of Middle East golf. Pratt even points to the rapid growth of women’s and junior golf as one of the region’s biggest positives.

“There has been a big focus on community, particularly around women’s and junior development, and creating opportunities to bring new golfers into the game,” he says.

Flanders agrees, noting that golf in the Gulf is no longer viewed solely through the lens of tourism.

“Years ago, golf here was viewed much more through major events and tourism,” he says. “Today there is a much stronger local market made up of resident golfers, families, juniors, women’s golf, and year-round participation.”

“We’ve seen significant growth in the number of UAE nationals and women taking up golf,” says May. “Facilities such as Topgolf and indoor golf venues are helping grow participation and introducing more people to the game.”

Topgolf Dubai

Dubai’s Topgolf venue has become one of the busiest in the world, with Topgolf Yas Island Abu Dhabi scheduled to open later this year. The wider GCC region is also entering a new expansion phase. Long recognised as a leading host of professional tournaments, especially across the DP World Tour, the Middle East is now seeing increased investment in golf infrastructure beyond the UAE.

“Outside of America, the UAE and the GCC host one of the highest numbers of professional tournaments in the world,” says Pratt. “The trend already emerging is one of expansion.”

Al Mouj Golf in Muscat, Oman

Countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain are continuing to invest in new facilities, helping position the Gulf as a multi-destination golf market.

“The facilities performing best are the ones creating reasons for people to visit regularly, not just for golf,” says Flanders. “People are looking for flexibility, social connection, good dining, entertainment, and experiences they can enjoy with family and friends.”

Technology is also becoming increasingly important in driving engagement.

May highlights the success of Dubai Golf’s VIYA platform, which now connects tens of thousands of users across golf, hospitality, wellness, and leisure experiences. “The growing importance of tech in golf is significant,” says May. “We now have 25,000 active golf users on the platform in the UAE.”

Meanwhile, Pratt points to the continued growth of amateur and professional events as evidence of the region’s confidence. The Emirates Golf Federation is preparing to host the third edition of the UAE Cup in Al Ain this December after attracting players from 38 countries last year.

“We believe this will be the best edition yet,” says Pratt. “I look forward to it becoming an event that is firmly on the world stage.”

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Representing the Emirates Golf Federation, the Skaiks are among a growing contingent of Arab golfers competing on the international stage. They are joined in the field by Saudi Arabia’s Othman Almulla, Khalid Attieh, Faisal Salhab, and 12 Moroccan players, highlighting the increasing presence of Arab players in elite professional tournaments.

Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort

The US$500,000 tournament, being played from June 4-7 at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) and forms part of a three-event Moroccan swing that is helping create more opportunities for players from the region.

Ahmad Skaik

For Ahmad Skaik, the week marks another important step in his young professional career. The 29-year-old, who turned professional in December, comes into the event after making the cut at the am green IGPL Morocco Rising Stars 2026 last week, played at the same venue.

Adding to the occasion, Emirates Golf Federation elite squad head coach Faycal Serghini is on site and will caddie for Ahmad throughout the tournament.

Mohammad Skaik

19-year-old younger brother Mohammad enters the field as an amateur and one of just 11 amateurs competing among a 144-player field. He has competed in just four professional tournaments to date, including three starts on the HotelPlanner Tour. His participation alongside his older brother, Ahmad, represents another milestone for UAE golf, with the brothers continuing to lead the next generation of talent emerging from the Emirates.

The am green IGPL Bharath Classic is the second edition of the tournament and the eighth event of the 2026 Asian Tour season. The championship follows last week’s Morocco Rising Stars event and precedes next week’s International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco in Rabat.

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Cover star Chris Gotterup shares an honest look at the swing thoughts, misses and practice habits he’s working through, reminding us that even tour winners battle the same frustrations as everyday golfers.

We also explore the evolving world of professional golf, from Luis Masaveau’s move to LIV Golf to The Undercover Pro’s candid take on life beyond the PGA Tour rumour mill. Behind the scenes, we examine the changing face of tour life through the lens of the European Tour Performance Institute and the realities of making a living as a golf professional.

Closer to home, Golf During a Conflict looks at the resilience of the Middle East golf scene, while our travel features visit Al Mouj Golf and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club ahead of the 2026 U.S. Open.

Instruction remains central, with lessons from J. J. Spaun, Aaron Rai and Phil Mickelson, plus our 2026 Hot List guide to the year’s best golf balls. We also continue celebrating regional golf through The Gulf Club and standout performances from across the Middle East.

All this and plenty more in the June 2026 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your local golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

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Furyk was among those in attendance for Sunday’s Munster SHC clash between Limerick Senior Hurling Team and Tipperary Senior Hurling Team alongside Limerick supporter and Adare Manor owner JP McManus.

The former major winner is currently in Ireland to continue preparations ahead of golf’s biggest team event, which will be staged in County Limerick in September 2027.

While the visit centred around Ryder Cup planning, Furyk admitted he had already been trying to familiarise himself with hurling before arriving in Ireland as he was interviewed by Sporting LK after the game.

“First match ever. I’ve kind of been watching a little GAA+ in the States, trying to get ready and figure out the rules, understand the game,” Furyk said after the game.

“A high scoring game today, right? Five goals, 42 points, so kind of a big deal. It’s really fun to watch. These guys are amazing athletes and it’s a fun sport.”

“They call it the fastest field sport in the world. You hear that, but to see it live you really get an appreciation for it.

“I’m just amazed at the distance they score from. Folks hanging off them, trying to hook them, throwing a ball up, wheel around and then boom, awkward angles and difficult shots. I’m impressed.”

The American Ryder Cup captain also joked that he may now have adopted a new team while visiting Limerick.

“I’m going to try and keep up with this team, I’m now a Limerick fan,” he said.

“Folks were supporting their teams but they were polite. Even the Tipp fans that came, I heard a little cheer from the folks that were here.

“I know Limerick is excited about the rest of the season, they’ve got a lot going on and a chance to do well in the All-Ireland.”

Furyk’s visit comes as preparations ramp up for the 100th anniversary Ryder Cup at Adare Manor from September 13–19, 2027.

Tickets for the event are available through official channels, with general admission match day tickets priced at €499, while practice day tickets range from €89 to €179. The global public ballot opens on June 3.

Since 2000, Europe has won nine of the last twelve Ryder Cups. European captain Luke Donald also visited Adare Manor last month as preparations for the tournament continued.

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Just days after teeing it up at LIV Golf Virginia, the 22-year-old is back in Spain competing at the Challenge de Catalunya, where the total prize fund stands at €300,000.

“One of the goals I have this year with my coach and my mental coaches is to try to play exactly the same golf no matter where I play,” he explained ahead of this week’s event.

“Sometimes I struggle too much with thinking about my score. I think our job is to try to shoot the lowest score we can, no matter where we play.

“So yeah, my goal is the same — try to shoot the lowest score I can.”

Masaveu admitted there are obvious differences between the two circuits, particularly with the atmosphere surrounding LIV events.

“Of course, it’s a little bit different: there’s no music, and the course conditions are slightly different, but the goal remains the same.”

Fontanals Golf Club – Getty Images

The Spaniard arrives at Fontanals Golf Club with plenty of confidence after recording two third-place finishes at the venue last year.

“Yeah, I really like it,” he said. “It suits my game. You’ve got to be very good off the tee, and I’ve played really well off the tee the three times I’ve played here.

“So all I’ve got to do is repeat that.”

While many LIV players have largely focused solely on the breakaway circuit and the majors, Masaveu has set himself an ambitious target for the remainder of the season — earning a DP World Tour card through the HotelPlanner Tour, as the young Spaniard sees a pathway back into more traditional golf routes.

“I always wanted to play on the DP World Tour as a kid,” he revealed.

“Now that the DP World Tour is letting LIV players compete without being fined, it became a goal of mine from the beginning of the year to get onto the DP World Tour.”

Masaveu plans to play six or seven HotelPlanner Tour events around his LIV Golf and International Series commitments on the Asian Tour.

“Obviously, it’s going to be very difficult only playing six events,” he admitted. “I’ve got to play really, really good golf, and pretty much all six events have to go well if I want to finish in the top 15 on the Road to Mallorca and earn my DP World Tour card.

“But this week is the start.”

The 22-year-old also addressed the recent uncertainty and speculation surrounding LIV Golf’s future, admitting the reaction within the league initially caught players off guard.

“It was a little bit surprising,” he said. “I think we were more nervous in Mexico when everything first happened because everyone knows what the media can be like, especially now with Instagram and how powerful social media is. Everyone was just throwing out opinions rather than actually knowing what was going on.”

Masaveu, however, believes LIV CEO Scott O’Neil has calmed concerns behind the scenes.

“Once we spoke with Scott, things got a lot better,” he added. “At that point in Mexico, the media was saying we weren’t even going to play again this year, so it was definitely surprising. But I think things are getting much better now.”

Luis is paired in the Challenge de Catalunya alongside last week’s winner, Chris Wood and Road to Mallorca Number One, MJ Daffue.

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The Viya Golf Trophy will once again see the UAE’s top male and female Professionals take on the best male and female Amateurs in a Ryder Cup-style showdown over two competitive days across the 17th and 18th May 2026.

To earn a spot, the top 12 Professionals have had to qualify through the Emirates PGA’s Viya Golf Trophy Order of Merit. The Amateurs followed a similar process, with the top 12 coming from the EGF’s Gross Order of Merit.

The remaining four spots on each team are Captain’s Picks—selected at the discretion of Professional Captain Sujjan Singh and Amateur Captain Jay Mullane.

The event also features a Ladies Challenge Match, with the top two Professional Ladies facing off against the top two Amateur Ladies, based on their respective Order of Merit standings.

Amateur Oscar Craig – 2025 Viya Golf Trophy

12 months ago, the Amateurs fought back against the Professionals to retain the Viya Golf Trophy once again, following a 16-16 tie at the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, Dubai.

See below the 2026 Viya Golf Trophy Players

Professional Team:

Automatic Qualifiers:

• Sujjan Singh (C) – Claude Harmon Performance Academy

• Jackson Bell – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Paul Shields – Dubai Hills Golf Club

• Stuart Smith – Precision Golf

• Stephen Malone – GolfKraft

• Damien Scott – Al Hamra Golf Club

• Matthew Brookes – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

• David Gray – Golf Souk

• Jan Hejna – The Track, Meydan Golf

• Louis Gaughan – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

• Chris Steel – Five Iron Golf

• Tom Hanson – Trackman

Captains Picks:

• Charles Morra

• Matt Rice – GolfKraft

• Tom Ogilvie – Emirates Golf Club

• Faycal Serghini – Emirates Golf Federation

Amateur Team:

Automatic Qualifiers:

• Jay Mullane (C) – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Rayan Ahmed – Emirates Golf Federation

• Adrian Larsson – The Els Club Dubai

• Alexander Rushika – Emirates Golf Federation

• Jonathan Selveraj – Emirates Golf Federation

• Sam Mullane – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Mikhail Pinto – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

• Thomas Stephenson – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Dominic Morton – Trump International Dubai

• Alistair Hess – The Els Club Dubai

• Aayan Dadabhoy – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Louis Thorne – Jumeirah Golf Estates

Captains Picks:

• Simon Dunn – Al Hamra Golf Club

• Luke Challis – The Els Club Dubai

• Victor Larsson – The Els Club Dubai

• Dan Bryne – The Els Club Dubai

Ladies Challenge Match

Professionals:

• Lea Pouillard – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Priyanka Parmar – Emirates Golf Club

Amateurs:

• Sana Tufail – Yas Links Abu Dhabi
• Alayna Rafiqie – Emirates Golf Club

Sujan Singh, Professional Captain, commented ahead of one of the UAE’s longest-standing tournaments, “The EPGA season has seen unprecedented participation from professionals competing to qualify for the team, with the standard of golf among the strongest we’ve seen in recent years.

“We have an excellent balance of rookies and players who have represented the team for many years, with our strength built on the camaraderie and experience we share. We’re all looking forward Sunday morning!”

Jay Mullane, Amateur Captain, also commented, “As for this year’s Viya Golf Trophy, I’ve been excited since the last event finished tied. I think this year is set to be an exciting one for everyone involved.

“Our team is one of the strongest we’ve ever had, and every player selected has worked hard to earn their place. Everyone is ready and raring to go, and I’m really looking forward to what promises to be another fantastic edition of the Viya Golf Trophy.”

Originally established by Dubai Golf, the event rotates across five world-class courses: Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo and Majlis courses, Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth and Fire courses, and the Championship Course at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

This year see’s day one on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, with the final day being held at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

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Jackson Bell – Emirates PGA

Representing the Tommy Fleetwood Academy Dubai, Bell’s achievement is made even more remarkable following a challenging period that saw him undergo three hand surgeries two years ago, sidelining him from competition for over a year.

Since moving to the region seven and a half years ago, Bell has been a consistent presence on the Emirates PGA, and this season proved to be his strongest yet. Across 21 events, he delivered an impressive record of three victories and eight runner-up finishes.

Speaking after securing the title, Bell said: “Delighted to win the 2025/26 Emirates PGA Order of Merit title and finish No. 1 in the Emirates PGA Rankings. Massive thanks to the EPGA for another great season.”

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Rayan Ahmed

The landmark achievement represents a defining moment for UAE golf, underscoring the continued growth of the sport within the country and the success of elite player development pathways supported by the Emirates Golf Federation.

Ahmed will join a highly competitive collegiate program at UC Irvine under the guidance of Head Coach Paul Smolinski, entering one of the top-tier environments in U.S. college golf.

Rayan Ahmed – Ras Al Khaimah Amateur Open – Tommy Dickson

Widely regarded as one of the UAE’s most promising young talents, Ahmed began playing golf at the age of 13 and quickly progressed into competitive play by 15.

Now at just 19 years old, Ahmed is a key member of the UAE National Team and has built an impressive résumé of victories across regional and international events. His recent form has been particularly exceptional:

• February 2026 – Winner, Ras Al Khaimah Amateur Open, finishing at 8-under-par (208) with a commanding nine-shot victory, highlighted by a tournament-low 64.
• February 2026 – Winner (Overall & U-23 Boys Division), GJG UAE Junior Championship (JAGA), posting rounds of 65-67-69 (-9)
• September 2025 – Winner, Oman Amateur Championship
• October 2025 – Winner, AJGA Tommy Fleetwood Invitational (Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates), shooting 69-67-66 to finish at 14-under-par
• October 2025 – Winner, Faldo Series (Els Club, Dubai) with a 6-under total (70–67–73)

Ahmed’s success on the course, combined with multiple victories contributing to his World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), reflects both his individual dedication and the strength of the UAE’s national golf development system.

His scholarship to UC Irvine marks a major milestone not only in his personal journey but also for the Emirates Golf Federation’s long-term vision of nurturing world-class talent capable of competing on the global stage.

The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from the Emirates Golf Federation, including HE General Abdulla Al Hashmi, alongside stakeholders, partners, and members of the local golf community.

Commenting on the milestone, HE General Abdullah Al Hashmi said: “Rayan is extremely dedicated, committed, and disciplined, with a character and identity that truly set him apart. He is a fighter and already performs with the mindset and professionalism of an elite athlete. The whole nation is proud of Rayan’s achievements, and the Emirates Golf Federation will continue to support him as he raises the UAE flag in the United States and on the international stage.”

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This month, we lead with cover star Robert MacIntyre, who opens up on returning home, the bonds forged through the Ryder Cup, and what it takes to perform under the brightest lights.

Elsewhere, we explore golf’s expanding global footprint. In Baku, Dreamland Golf Club is redefining destination golf, while in Dubai, Discovery Dunes showcases the seamless blend of design, exclusivity and luxury that continues to shape the region’s appeal.

Our Voices section offers a range of perspectives: Neal Shipley shares his personal journey, the debate around Brooks Koepka’s place in the professional game continues, and Jerry Tarde assesses Brian Rolapp’s challenging new role. Alex Myers also introduces the inspiring story of Chaz Bowker and his unconventional route into adaptive golf.

Innovation remains a key theme, with Rory Flanagan and PLATFORM Golf pushing the indoor game forward here in Abu Dhabi. Instruction, as ever, is central—featuring insights from Cam Young, Michael Kolar and more—while our Hot List, travel pages and Gulf Club coverage round out another diverse issue.

All this and plenty more in the May 2026 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your local golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

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