The Emirates Golf Federation and Abu Dhabi Sports Council have confirmed the World Amateur Team Championship will be held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in October.

Following approval from the International Golf Federation, the 2023 WATC event will be held on the National Course at the club in the UAE capital.

The WATC is a biennial international amateur golf competition conducted by the IGF. The championships will be held in the Middle East for the first time since their inauguration in 1958, with the men’s Eisenhower Trophy taking place from October 18-21 and the 30th women’s championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy from October 25-28. Some of the biggest names in golf have participated in the WATC including Annika Sorenstam, Jack Nicklaus, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

Aref Al Awani, Antony Scanlon and General Abdullah Alhashmi

IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlon said: “The IGF is very excited to be holding our first World Amateur Team Championships in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi Golf Club will provide the best male and female amateur players in the world the opportunity to compete on an exceptional course at a world-class facility. We thank the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their support and look forward to working with the Emirates Golf Federation on the successful delivery of the Championships.”

Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, added: “We strongly believe that making the practice of sport a daily lifestyle, representing its positive impact on public health. Precisely for this reason, the Sports Council is supporting the Emirates Golf Federation and their vision of golf development, and creating a competitive pathway for the sport within the UAE. We look forward to hosting the best amateurs in the sport of golf while celebrating Abu Dhabi as a golf destination.”

General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the EGF, said: “Ourselves, IGF, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Golf Club have been working hard behind the scenes to make the new venue work for everyone involved, more importantly, the teams and players. For the EGF to host the WATC in the Middle East for the first time it is important that we put our best foot forward. With the support and backing of the Sports  Council, this will only elevate the player experience. Likewise, Abu Dhabi Golf Club has the resume of hosting the best championships in this part of the world.”