Representing the United Arab Emirates, General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation, attended the 89th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, where he met with Chairman Fred Ridley and senior leadership to discuss hosting the upcoming Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Dubai, at Emirates Golf Club.

Alongside Emirates Golf Federation Board Member Mustafa Al Hashimi and Dubai Golf CEO Chris May, General Alhashmi witnessed history as Rory McIlroy claimed the coveted Green Jacket and completed his career Grand Slam by winning all four major golf tournaments.

“It was a weekend that I will remember for a very long time. The level of excellence, not only on the golf course but also throughout the grounds of Augusta National, has certainly left an impression on me to bring back to the UAE.

“I am glad that I had the opportunity to witness a tradition like no other. During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with Chairman Ridley to discuss preparations for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, as well as the impact that the UAE has had on amateur golf,” said Vice President General Alhashmi.

Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley – Ross Kinnaird

During his visit, General Alhashmi not only had a private meeting with the Augusta National Chairman, but also attended the Green Jacket Ceremony on the 18th green of Augusta National Golf Club.

In conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), Dubai Golf, Emirates Golf Club, and The Masters Tournament, the UAE will host the 16th AAC from 23–26 October 2025. The AAC was created to give the top 120 male amateurs from the APGC’s 42 member organisations in the Asia-Pacific region the opportunity to compete, with the winner receiving an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament.

In October 2024, in Japan—where the APGC and The Masters Tournament announced the hosting of the AAC at Emirates Golf Club—APGC Chairman Taimur Hassan Amin said, “We have a proud tradition of hosting the AAC at world-class venues, and we are continuing that by hosting the 2025 edition in the UAE at Emirates Golf Club, strengthening our relationship with the UAE and the Middle East region.”

It is an exciting time for UAE golf as the 2024/2025 season draws to a close, with the nation having just hosted back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events and is looking forward to the EGF Order of Merit Championship next weekend.

Main Image: Emirates Golf Federation