The winners were the team of Zak Taher, Bradley Valentine, Oliver Wood and Richard Bernans, who posted 19 under par (net 53) and sealed the deal in the most dramatic way possible – a net eagle on 17 followed by a gross eagle on 18. When golf decides to cooperate in those final moments, it tends to stay in the memory.

Cameron McWhinnie, Golf Services Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, said at the prize presentation: “It is amazing to have had a full field today, despite the summer heat providing us with some challenging playing conditions. The support of the Membership here at Jumeirah Golf Estates is unwavering and makes hosting events a pleasure.” For a summer event in Dubai to draw 112 golfers is no small thing, and the club’s membership turns out regardless.

Full Results: 2026 Summer Scramble at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Format: Fourball Texas Scramble • Course: Fire • Date: 20 June 2026 • Field: 112 golfers

Net Competition
Position: Team • Score
Winners: Zak Taher, Bradley Valentine, Oliver Wood, Richard Bernans • -19 (net 53) — won on back nine countback
Runner-Up: Martin Stewart, Callum Smithson, Alfie Waters, Gurpreet Shatra • -19 (net 53) — countback
Third Place: Dhruvin Patel, Shiv Taank, Manuel Baierlacher, Monika Baierlacher • -18 (net 54)

Gross Competition
Position: Team • Score
Gross Winners: Tom Neale, JJ O’Toole, Simon Bird, Louis Thorne • -17 (gross 55)

Special Events
Competition: Hole • Winner
Nearest the Pin: Hole 8 • David Bainbridge
Beat the Pro vs Lea Pouillard: Hole 14 • Tom Neale

The Winning Round
The Taher-Valentine-Wood-Bernans side did what good scramble teams do – stayed in it long enough for the course to offer an opportunity, then took it. Nineteen under around the Fire course in June, with the heat and the firmness of the summer turf, is a score that earns respect. The back nine countback over Stewart’s team, who matched them shot-for-shot at 19 under, tells you how competitive this field was throughout.
Third place went to the fourball of Dhruvin Patel, Shiv Taank, Manuel Baierlacher and Monika Baierlacher with 18 under par – a performance that would have won plenty of member events, but here it was only enough for the final podium spot.

The Gross Story
Separating the gross from the net winner is often where these events get interesting. Tom Neale, JJ O’Toole, Simon Bird and Louis Thorne returned 17 under par on the card – a gross 55 – and they didn’t get there quietly. Eagles on the 12th, 13th and 18th holes tell you this side was making the most of their length and sharpness on a day when conditions demanded it.
Neale, for his part, had an excellent afternoon beyond the team result. He won the Beat the Pro challenge on the 14th hole against Lea Pouillard – the Tommy Fleetwood Teaching Professional attached to Jumeirah Golf Estates – which is never a straightforward thing to add to a scramble scorecard. David Bainbridge claimed Nearest the Pin honours on the 8th, the kind of precise moment that sticks in the mind long after the round.

About the Event
The Summer Scramble is one of the regular competitive touchstones on the Jumeirah Golf Estates members’ calendar. The Texas Scramble format – every player tees off, the best ball is selected and played from that spot, with each team member required to have at least three tee shots chosen across the round – gives golfers of varying handicaps a genuine stake in the outcome.

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Main Image: Left to right: Zak Taher, Richard Bernans, Michelle Walsh-Hall (2026 Lady Captain), Bradley Valentine, Oliver Wood,Carl Downham (2026 Men’s Captain)

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Royal Liverpool Golf Club – David Cannon / Getty Images

The championship will be held from 15–20 June at Royal Liverpool Golf Club and West Lancashire Golf Club in England, with a world-class field of 288 players from 41 countries competing for one of amateur golf’s most coveted titles.

Founded in 1885, The Amateur Championship has served as a launching pad for some of golf’s most celebrated names, including Bobby Jones, José María Olazábal, Sergio Garcia and Matteo Manassero. This year marks the 19th time Royal Liverpool has hosted the championship, more than any other venue in its history.

Rayan Ahmed – Ras Al Khaimah Amateur Open – Tommy Dickson

Ahmed’s inclusion marks a significant milestone for UAE golf, with the country’s top-ranked male amateur becoming the first Emirati to earn a place in the championship’s 141-year history. This year’s field will also feature Hungary’s first representative, highlighting the growing international reach of the event.

Ahmed will test himself against some of the world’s leading amateur golfers, including England’s Luke Poulter, ranked ninth in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), alongside fellow Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup players Stuart Grehan of Ireland, Scotland’s Connor Graham and Niall Shiels Donegan.

Rayan Ahmed – Emirates Golf Federation

The historic appearance comes just weeks after Ahmed achieved another landmark milestone, becoming the first UAE National to secure a full NCAA Division I golf scholarship. He will join the University of California, Irvine in the Fall of 2026, continuing his development within one of the United States’ leading collegiate golf programs.

Rayan Ahmed – Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit 2025/2026 season winner with Emirates Golf Federation Director General Akram Skaik

Ahmed arrives in England in outstanding form. Earlier this year, he claimed a dominant nine-shot victory in the Men’s Division of the Ras Al Khaimah Mixed Open, finishing at eight-under-par 208 and recording a personal-best round of 64. He was also medalist at the GJG UAE U23 Championship, runner-up at the Montgomerie Men’s Open, and recently topped the Emirates Golf Federation’s 2025/26 Order of Merit standings.

Widely regarded as one of the UAE’s brightest golfing prospects, Ahmed has steadily built an impressive amateur résumé. In 2024, he captured both the U18 GCC Golf Championship and GCC Youth Olympics titles, earned medalist honours at U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying, and went on to compete in both the U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur Championships. He has also represented the UAE at the World Amateur Team Championship, recorded a sixth-place finish at the Pan Arab Men’s Championship, and made the cut at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in consecutive years.

The champion of The Amateur Championship will earn exemptions into The Open, the U.S. Open and a DP World Tour event, while also traditionally receiving an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament, provided amateur status is retained.

Ahmed’s participation reflects the continued growth of golf in the UAE and the success of the player development pathways established to help Emirati golfers compete on the global stage.

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This problem from a reader named William fell squarely under the “oddly specific” category. At first, I was stumped, but I started to realise where he was going with it as I read on …

Hey Chris-

Where do you stand on someone sitting in the golf cart during a round? Is it okay to sit in the cart:

While waiting for others to tee off before your turn? (Pretty obvious, not okay.)

After you have teed off while you wait for others in your foursome to tee off? (Another obvious no.)

On the course while your cart buddy is hitting an approach shot? (My weird take, probably okay to stay in the cart if you are driving, get out and watch if you are the rider.)

On the course while players riding in the other cart are hitting their approach shots? (I would say situational depending on how close your previous or next shot comes from and if they need help “spotting” their ball if there is a blind spot.)

Is there a special exemption for dropping off the person riding in your cart and driving over to your ball to play “ready golf”? (Again situational, example, the other person taking a wedge and putter and walking to meet you by the green.)

You get the idea, when is it okay to stay seated in the golf cart and when is that considered inappropriate?

By the way, I think we can all agree that staying in the cart while everyone else looks for a lost ball is an unforgivable sin and will, at some point, be punished by the golf gods!

Thanks!

-William from Piqua, Ohio

All of these questions, of course, hinge on you riding in a cart. So, to the woke walkers who, much like marathon runners, have to remind you every 0.2 seconds that they walk and carry their own bag when they play golf, please, please save it. Please do not come at me with “just walk and all these problems are solved.” I am begging you to shut up. In this scenario, everyone’s riding, a very common thing for weekend hackers.

Let’s address Will’s final point now – if you sit in the cart while three other people look for a lost ball, you should be buried under the jail. There is no situation where that is acceptable, unless you have received a call about a family emergency. Other than that, get your ass out of the cart and help. You can even fake it. We all have a buddy who can’t accept that his ball is long gone. But you can still fake it for three-to-four minutes, maybe find a ProV1 for yourself, or for your buddy to ease the pain of his lost Vice. As long as you make it look like you sort of tried, you’ve done your duty.

Now, for Will’s numerous other scenarios … I’ll be honest, I can’t say I’d even given any of them a second thought. But now that I have, I’ll do my best to answer.

Is it okay to sit in the cart: While waiting for others to tee off before your turn? (Pretty obvious, not okay.)

This one is very dependent on just how close the tee box is to the carts. If it’s a par 3 and the carts are a few feet from the box, I have no issue with this. You want to get a little sit in, maybe sip on your beer in the shade, check the status of the match, etc. No big deal. As long as you pop right out and hit in a reasonable amount of time when it’s your turn, this isn’t that egregious. However, if it’s an elevated tee box, maybe with some stairs, and it’s a semi-long walk to the markers, if you’re sitting in the cart while everyone’s up there until it’s your turn, yes, you should probably be hung in the town square.

Is it okay to sit in the cart: After you have teed off while you wait for others in your foursome to tee off? (Another obvious no.)

Basically the same answer as the one above. Par 3, close proximity, no problem. Far away from everyone and you’re just hitting and walking over to the cart to be alone, yeah, that’s a little weird. Sounds like Will is playing with guys that simply don’t want to be around each other or don’t like seeing everybody rip driver and say “ohhhh he tagged that” together. Sad bunch.

Is it okay to sit in the cart: On the course while your cart buddy is hitting an approach shot? (My weird take, probably okay to stay in the cart if you are driving, get out and watch if you are the rider.)

Yeah this is perfectly normal. I might get out to shoot a yardage for a buddy, especially if we’re on the same squad in a match. Maybe talk strategy. But I’ll probably end up back in the cart before he strikes it. Completely fine.

Is it okay to sit in the cart: On the course while players riding in the other cart are hitting their approach shots? (I would say situational depending on how close your previous or next shot comes from and if they need help “spotting” their ball if there is a blind spot.)

One thing that often does upset me about riding is it often seems like, while you’re playing together as a foursome, the other two guys are off doing their own thing and you’re doing the same. You still get the tee box camraderie on each hole, but then everyone’s off on their own little journey. Then again, this can be the case for walkers, too, especially if somebody in the group hits a big hook and the other guys hit banana fades. In the interest of pace of play, everybody should be getting to their balls/next shot as soon as possible, whether walking or riding. There will be plenty of time together on the tee boxes, on the greens and sometimes in the fairways provided everyone’s hitting it straight on the same hole. For the holes where the group is playing Army golf, you’re all on your own. In which case, yes it’s fine to sit in the cart at your ball while the cart behind you is on the other side of the fairway playing their shots.

Is there a special exemption for dropping off the person riding in your cart and driving over to your ball to play “ready golf”? (Again situational, example, the other person taking a wedge and putter and walking to meet you by the green.)

Yes, 100 percent. In fact, I actually prefer to reverse it. I like leaving the cart with my cart-mate by their ball and then walking over to my ball, sometimes with the club I know I’m going to hit, but sometimes without, as I know they’ll be driving over to me right after. But at least I’m there thinking about what I’m going to potentially hit, I’ve paced off the yardage, and I’m mostly ready when they get to me. As for wedge and putter situation, yes, you should always split up in those situations, whether it’s dropping a guy off or leaving them with the cart and walking up yourself.

I think the main crux of all these questions is – are you being disrespectful by not standing at attention and watching every single shot from everyone in the group? And the answer to that is no, you’re not. I think if it’s late in a money match, you of course want everyone to be engaged, but there are still going to be plenty of situations where you hit and your opponent isn’t sitting front row for it. Ultimately, everyone’s No. 1 focus is their own game, their own ball, their own next shot. As long as you’re not being a mood-killing miserab, there are plenty of situations where it’s OK to sit in the cart when other people are hitting. Or OK to go to your ball and be ready to play.

But it is never OK to sit in the cart while everyone’s looking for a ball. On that, we agree, William.

Do you have a “stupid” golf problem? A question you’re too ashamed to ask your close friends? A conundrum that needs to be talked out in a public forum? We’re here to help. If you have etiquette-related inquiries or just want to know how to handle some of the unique on- or off-course situations we all find ourselves in, please let us know. You can email me (chris.powers@wbd.com) or send me a DM on Twitter/X (@Cpowers14) or on Instagram (@cpthreeve).

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Jamie Camero – Trump Dubai Summer Open 2026

Leading the way were this year’s Gross Division champions, with Jamie Camero claiming the Ladies Championship title after an impressive round of 75, while Jack White secured the Men’s Championship crown with a superb 73.

White’s winning score topped a highly competitive men’s field, edging out David Bryden on countback after both players finished on 73, while Oscar Nami completed the podium with a score of 74.

In the ladies’ division, Camero’s consistent performance saw her finish comfortably ahead of Hannah Alan, who placed second with a score of 78.

Tournament organisers praised the quality of play throughout the event and thanked participants for competing in challenging summer conditions.

Trump Dubai Summer Open 2026

Tournament Results

Men’s Gross Division

1st: Jack White – Gross 73

2nd: David Bryden – Gross 73

3rd: Oscar Nami – Gross 74

Ladies Gross Division

1st: Jamie Camero – Gross 75

2nd: Hannah Alan – Gross 78

Ladies Net Division

1st: Lisa Brocklebank – Net 70 (-1)

2nd: Zoriana Buniak – Net 74

Men’s Net Division

1st: Luke Kellock – Net 70 (-1) BB9

2nd: Shahmir Gill – Net 70 (-1)

3rd: Rajesh Gaur – Net 71 (E)

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Played in a fantastic atmosphere, members enjoyed not only the battle for the main honours but also a variety of entertaining on-course competitions and challenges that added to the occasion. Combining friendly rivalry with plenty of camaraderie, the day truly reflected the spirit of the club.

Leading the way was Henry Ungerer, who produced a superb performance to claim the Captain’s Day title with an impressive 38 Stableford points, edging a highly competitive field to secure one of the season’s most prestigious honours.

Making the result even more special was Henry’s son, Dehan Ungerer, who also posted 38 Stableford points but narrowly missed out on the title after countback, securing a memorable family one-two finish. Yu Wei Dong claimed third place with a solid and well-played round of 36 points.

In the Gross Division, low handicapper George Liu demonstrated his class by overcoming the summer conditions to record an excellent 34 Gross Stableford points and take home the Best Gross trophy. Aarnav Nath matched the 34-point total but was edged into the runner-up position on countback after another impressive display.

The celebrations concluded with heartfelt thanks to Captain Hanief Sallie for his dedication, generosity and leadership throughout the season. His continued commitment to the club and its members helped create another outstanding Captain’s Day, bringing the 2025/26 season to a fitting and memorable close at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

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In Division A, May champion Stuart Murray continued his strong form, securing victory via a three-way countback with a three-under-par net 69. Liam Smith finished second on countback, while Nick Kingston completed the podium places in third. Division B also produced a closely contested battle. Conrad Lee emerged victorious after posting a net 71, finishing one stroke ahead of Taha Khan, who took second place on net 72. Innes Harding rounded out the top three with a net 74.

The Gross Division saw the standout score of the day from Marc McStay, with an excellent gross 68 earning him top honours. Tom Neale finished as runner-up after carding a gross 70.

In the Ladies Division, Sheila McIlroy delivered a strong performance to take first place with a two-over-par net 74. Steve Cashmore captured the Seniors Division title after an impressive two-under-par effort, while Daniel Chaney led the Junior Division with a solid net 74.

The Stableford Division provided Members with an additional opportunity to compete, and Rylan Lee capitalised on the Fire course, claiming victory with 39 Stableford points. A back-nine countback was needed to determine second place, with Mohit Singh edging into the runner-up position on 38 points.

Reflecting on another successful event, Cameron McWhinnie, Golf Services Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, commented: “The Monthly Medalford in Association with Integrator Media continues to be one of our most popular and competitive Member competitions. It’s fantastic to see another full field taking to the course as we head into the warmer months across the UAE.”.

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Played in a fun Four-Player Scramble format, the event had a strong turnout and an exceptionally high standard of play throughout the field. The competition proved incredibly close, ultimately resulting in a remarkable six-way tie at the top of the leaderboard.

The winners of the MIDCOM Member Colleague Scramble were the team of Leena Parwani, Tirth Shergill, Muzamil Nabi and Abdul Nazik with a net total of 54 (-18), winning on a countback with a better back three holes.

During their front nine, the team scored four net birdies, a gross birdie on hole seven, and two net eagles on six and eight. Their back nine consisted of four net birdies, a gross birdie on hole seventeen, and another two impressive net eagles on holes sixteen and eighteen to conclude their round. 

In runner up position was the team of Beverly Wylie, Samantha Greening and Patrick Chanda with a net score of 54 (-18), tying the back nine, but winning with a better ninth hole.

Their front nine was highlighted by four net birdies, a gross birdie on hole two, a net eagle on hole nine and a fantastic gross eagle on hole three. Their back nine featured an impressive total of four gross birdies, three net birdies and a net eagle on hole sixteen.

In third place was the team of Kish Bandopadhyay, Rekha Bandopadhyay, Jonti and Ali with a net score of 54 (-18), winning on a countback with a better back three holes.

Their front nine included four net birdies, three gross birdies and a net eagle on hole eight. Their back nine saw the team card two net birdies, three gross birdies and two net eagles on holes twelve and sixteen. 

During the prize presentation, Club Captain Scott Campbell spoke of how encouraging it was to see such a fantastic turnout of members and colleagues come together for the occasion, highlighting the important role events like this play in strengthening the club’s community spirit. He also extended his sincere thanks to MIDCOM for their valued support and sponsorship of the event, before congratulating all of the prize winners on their outstanding performances.

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Set along the stunning coastline of Muscat, Al Mouj Golf offers one of the most scenic and unique golfing experiences in the Middle East.

Al Mouj Golf in Muscat, Oman

Designed by former World Number One golfer Greg Norman, this award-winning, 18-hole championship links course stretches along two kilometres of pristine Gulf of Oman shoreline, combining natural beauty with a challenging yet enjoyable layout for players of all levels.

Known for its immaculate conditioning and dramatic sea views, the course blends traditional links-style play with modern design, featuring rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and coastal winds that add an exciting dimension to every round.

Sami Välimäki – 2020 Oman Open Champion

Al Mouj Golf has also hosted prestigious international events, on the DP World Tour and Asian Tour, further cementing its position on the global golfing stage.

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READ MORE: Where To Play

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The post QUICKSHOT: Links by the Gulf appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

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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The election was attended by representatives of the Asia-Pacific Golf Federation, the Arab Golf Federation, the Iraqi National Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Also present were members of the Olympic Committee Executive Office, presidents of sports federations and clubs, distinguished guests, and members of the Iraqi Golf Federation General Assembly.

Board of Directors for the 2026–2030 Iraqi Golf Federation

Following the conclusion of the voting process, the newly elected Board of Directors for the 2026–2030 term was confirmed as follows:

Hamid Hanoun Owaish – President

Munar Riyadh Abdul Abbas – Vice President

Ali Shamsuddin Hassan – Board Member

Abbas Kurdi Shalaka – Board Member

Murtaza Fares Mahmoud – Board Member

Wamed Khaled Rahman – Board Member

Morteza Hamed Hanoun – Board Member

The Iraqi Golf Federation extended its congratulations to the newly elected President and Board members on receiving the confidence and support of the General Assembly.

The Federation expressed its confidence that the new leadership team will continue to advance the development of golf throughout Iraq, strengthen participation at all levels of the game, and contribute to the continued growth of Iraqi sport both nationally and internationally.

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