By Kent Gray
Ranked 31st in the latest World Amateur Golf Rankings, Ahmad Skaik is the undisputed No.1. in UAE golf. But it seems there is some competition close to home, like really close, with designs on challenging that status.

Like Alia Al Emadi in the ladies division, Skaik successfully defended his UAE Presidents Cup title at Abu Dhabi Golf Club over the weekend but wasn’t the only member of the family celebrating with silverware at the conclusion of the region’s top amateur event.

Skaik’s younger brother Mohamed won the junior title with a championship total of 161 for a three-stroke advantage over Rashid Al Jassmy. Taking home the junior net prize was Abdulla Al Suwaidi. 

“This year’s win is special for me and my family,” said Ahmad Skaik who carded rounds of 74-73 for a three-over winning total of 147, eight clear of perennial rival Khalid Yousuf.

“To win the Presidents Cup and to have my brother win the Junior Division at the same time, will be something that we will remember forever. 

Rounding out the podium places in the open men’s field was Khaled Salmeen with rounds of 79-80 for a total of 159. Walid Al Attar, playing in his first “national championship” in over 10 years off a 10.4 handicap, won the net with a 130 total. 

But it was the Skaik’s weekend.

“I wasn’t hitting the ball particularly well off the tee this weekend but I scrambled well and made a lot of pars,” Skaik Snr said.

“Coming off playing four consecutive weeks on the DP World Tour, it is time for a little break and focus on my studies. It is an honour to win the UAE Presidents Cup and I am grateful for all of the support that I have received from the EGF and entire UAE. I’d like to thank my family, coaches, and of course my teammates for pushing me and making me a better person on and off the course.”  

Emirates Golf Federation Secretary-General, Mr. Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, won the senior with gross scores of 77-84 for a total of 161 

Al Emadi signed for rounds of 82-81 and a winning total of 163.

“It feels amazing to not only win the Ladies Division two years in a row but also it proves to myself that my hard work is paying off,” she said. “The Presidents Cup is the biggest tournament for Emiratis in the UAE. One thing I particularly love about the Presidents Cup is the fact that all golfers from the UAE reunite to compete together. This weekend my putting has really stepped up. I made some key putts to save my score.”

The ladies net winner was Faye Al Bolooshi with a score of 139. 

In efforts to develop the game within the national community, the 2022 UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC also hosted a 9-Hole Championship on the Garden Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. On a modified 9 holes, this year’s event also offered the UAE Special Olympic Team players to compete in the 9-Hole Championship. 

Winning the 9-Hole Championship was UAE Special Olympic Team player Ali Bin Sumaida. Ali had a hole-In-one on the 7th and an eagle on the 8th on his way to shooting an impressive 37, one over par. 

Latifa Al Jassmy was runner-up and UAE Special Olympic Team members, Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi and Vincent Bower, third and fourth respectively. 

To celebrate this year’s Presidents Cup, the award ceremony was graced by His Highness Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and Head of Network Distribution at HSBC UAE, Najeeb Busheri. 

“Congratulations to all of the winners,” said General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice-Chairman of the EGF afterwards. “On behalf of the Emirates Golf Federation, we would like to thank HSBC for their continued support of this amazing championship. This weekend is a true celebration of UAE golf. Thank you to and Abu Dhabi Golf Club and to The Westin, Abu Dhabi for hosting our players and families. Lastly, thank you to Abu Dhabi Sports Council and eGolf Megastore for enhancing our championship. UAE golf is moving forward, we have a lot of work to do, together with our partners and stakeholders we will achieve our goals.”