View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Golf Digest Middle East (@golfdigestme)

In the Men’s Division, Kayun Mudadana captured the title after a tense finish, posting rounds of 63, 68, and 65. His final round was highlighted by three closing birdies to set the clubhouse score, matched by England’s Eliot Baker at 14 under.

Mudadana then prevailed on the 18th-hole playoff to secure the victory. Germany’s Hendrik-Luka Schmitz and Korea’s Seonghyeon An tied for third, while Morocco’s Hugo Mazen Trommetter led the Arab contingent, finishing tied for fifth at eight under par. UAE’s Sam Mullane was the highest-placed home player, tied seventh at six under.

The Women’s Division saw Korean star Yun Seo Yang surge to victory with a spectacular final-round 7-under 63. She finished two strokes clear of overnight leader Ella Scaysbrook of Australia, who claimed second place. Austrian Johanna Janisch took third, while Turkey’s Deniz Sapmaz tied for fourth at level par. The top UAE finisher was Jamie Camero, who tied for ninth.

Team Australia, represented by Kayun Mudadana and Ella Scaysbrook, combined their efforts to post a total of 25 under par, winning the Team title by three shots over Korea. England secured third place, while Morocco led the Arab nations, finishing sixth at 17 under par.

The UAE Cup, organised by the Emirates Golf Federation and part of the Arab Golf Federation’s Arab Golf Series, attracted elite amateur players from 39 countries, competing not only for trophies and national pride but also for opportunities to progress on the professional circuit. The event continues to grow in prestige, further cementing the UAE as a key destination for world-class amateur golf.

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Main Image: Getty Images

The post Mudadana, Yang and Australia come out on top in UAE Cup appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Where To Play: Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club

Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club. Image supplied

Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club has grown from a nine-hole layout in 2007 to a full 18-hole Championship venue. The par 70 course now stretches 7,117 yards and has hosted numerous prestigious events including the HotelPlanner Tour’s Abu Dhabi Challenge.

Renovations and new design work have elevated the experience, along with floodlit golf on the back nine and Academy course.

The club continues to build its community, and this month welcomes the second edition of the UAE Cup powered by Emirates NBD, now a leading international amateur championship, run by the Emirates Golf Federation and is part of the Arab Golf Federation’s Arab Golf Series.

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Main Image: Supplied

This article was featured in the December 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine

READ MORE: Where To Play

Trump International Golf Links Scotland, New Course

Regnum Carya Golf Club

Awali Golf Club

Sunningdale Golf Club

Costa Navarino

Royal Greens Golf & Country Club

Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club

Al Zorah Golf Club

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Yas Links Abu Dhabi

The post QUICKSHOT: Garden City Golf in Al Ain appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

This year, the Bahrain Amateur Open cements its standing as a bridge between the Arab and international golf landscapes. As part of the Arab Golf Series (AGS) launched by the Arab Golf Federation, the championship provides emerging Arab talents with a clearer pathway toward professional golf, while its official recognition on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) offers players a valuable opportunity to strengthen their international standing and reinforce their presence on the global stage.

More than 100 players from Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with expatriate golfers residing in the Kingdom, will compete across three days in an individual Stroke Play format. The champion will earn a direct invitation to the 2026 Bahrain Amateur Open, with the event also serving as an official qualifier for the 2025 King Hamad Trophy, a tournament also hosted at the Royal Golf Club.

The Arab Golf Federation, which continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the game across the region, emphasised that its support for the Bahrain Amateur Open reflects a firm commitment to broadening the base of the sport in the Arab world. It also aims to strengthen the presence of national teams in regional and international competitions by providing a high-level competitive environment and valuable opportunities for amateurs and professionals to gain experience.

Winners of the 1st Cedars Championship (L-R) Daniil Sokolov, Sam Mullane, Anca Mateiu

The Arab Golf Series began the year with a strong start at the Qatar Open in February, followed by the Cedars Golf Championship hosted by the Lebanese Golf Federation in collaboration with the UAE Golf Federation. It then moved to Egypt for the Arab Juniors & Women’s Championship, which also marked the launch of the Arab Ranking System for women and junior categories.

Qatar’s Daniil Sokolov wins 34th Jordan Open at Ayla Golf Club

After successful stops in both Jordan and Morocco, the series now arrives in Bahrain for the seventh edition of the Bahrain Amateur Open, before continuing in Egypt with the Women’s, Juniors, and Men’s Amateur Opens.

Later in the season, Saudi Arabia will host the Arab Men’s and Seniors Championships alongside the Saudi Amateur Open in Riyadh, before the series concludes with the UAE Cup and the Tunisia Amateur Open (to be confirmed).

As the Arab Golf Series makes its stop in Bahrain, the spotlight now turns to the host venue, the Royal Golf Club in Riffa. With its prime location and world-class facilities, it provides the ideal stage for competition and sporting excellence. The Bahrain Golf Association affirmed that preparations were completed to the highest international standards to ensure a fair and competitive environment, while also offering young and amateur golfers the chance to showcase their skills and move closer to higher levels of play.

The championship enjoys the support of several key partners, led by Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo (Lexus) as the title sponsor, along with other partners whose ongoing contributions underline their commitment to strengthening Bahrain’s position as a leading sports destination and supporting the growth of golf both locally and regionally.

Since its inception, the Bahrain Amateur Open has successfully established a legacy that balances high-level competition with community engagement, evolving into a platform that fosters sporting and cultural exchange between Arab nations and marking another step forward in consolidating the presence of Arab golf on the global stage.

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Main Image: Bahrain Golf Club

The post Bahrain strengthens its position as a key stop on the Arab Golf Series appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The delegation was headed by H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and President of the UAE School and University Sports Federation. The team comprised four players competing across two junior age categories, two in the Under-15 category and two in the Under 18-Category. The UAE’s participation was aimed at reinforcing the presence of the UAE national teams in the international competitions and promoting golf as a key sport across the schools in the country, in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the Arab Golf Federation.

Representing the EGF, the juniors performed impressively in their debut appearance, with Alexander Dimitri winning a silver medal in the Under-15 category and Aasiya Saleem securing a silver medal in the Under-18 category. Their notable achievements contributed to the UAE team placing fourth overall among 16 participating countries from around the world, indicating the advancement of school golf in the UAE and the nation’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young sporting talents.

H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum highlighted that this participation underscores a key milestone in the continuous efforts to support national talents, appreciating the remarkable performance of the Emirati team during the championship. The achievement is a testament to the high level of competitiveness and excellence that golf has attained across the nation. He said, “At the Ministry of Sports, we remain committed to offering comprehensive support and a nurturing environment for the development of sports talents across all age groups, especially at the school level, which serves as a key foundation for recognising and cultivating future champions. These efforts are further strengthened through the close collaboration between the UAE School and University Sports Federation and relevant sports federations.”

He said: “Fostering continuous participation in international competitions remains a central focus of our strategy to boost the UAE’s presence on the global sports stage. In line with our commitment to this vision, we have specially designed programs to equip national teams with promising talents and prepare the next generation of Emirati athletes to thrive in major sporting events. Our approach reflects the vision of our wise leadership, which places great emphasise on empowering the youth and creating an environment that supports both academic and athletic excellence.”

This participation is part of the national broader efforts to advance school sports and offer competitive platforms for emerging athletes across a wide array of disciplines. In partnership with the UAE School and University Sports Federation, the Ministry aims to build a strong foundation of high-performing athletes, cultivate future Olympians, and enhance the country’s achievements at regional and global levels.

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Main Image: Emirates Golf Federation

The post UAE students perform strongly at ISF World School Golf Championship appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

This initiative is designed to empower young Arab golfers and open pathways for them to reach the highest levels of international competition by the year 2035.

The Elite Camp marks the first phase of the Federation’s scholarship program and is focused on assessing and selecting top Arab talent under the age of 18. Selected players will be given the opportunity to pursue elite-level training in collaboration with IMG Academy.

Held over four days at Riyadh Golf Club, the camp features 16 male and female participants under 18 years old from various Arab countries, carefully chosen based on their performance in regional and international tournaments and rankings.

The Elite Camp is structured in two key phases:

Phase one (Days one and two) includes theoretical and practical evaluation sessions. Players undergo technical tests, physical and mental assessments, and one-on-one interviews with a specialised evaluation team to gain a comprehensive understanding of each participant’s potential.

Phase two (Days three and four) simulates competitive conditions, where players participate in two full 18-hole rounds under tournament-like pressure. This phase enables the selection committee to assess performance under stress and identify candidates for the academic scholarship program.

At the conclusion of the camp, the top-performing players will receive full scholarships to join IMG Academy starting in August 2025. The program includes professional golf training, academic and educational support, and access to advanced sports science services such as strength and conditioning and mental coaching.

MORE: Morocco’s Adam Bresnu named as a 2025 Jack Nicklaus Award recipient

This initiative is part of the Federation’s broader multi-level approach, combining several impactful programs – with the Elite Sports Scholarship Camp being a key pillar. The Arab Golf Federation remains committed to talent development, fostering regional collaboration, and building a sustainable support system for long-term growth.

This effort signals a new era for golf in the region, grounded in performance, opportunity, and a shared vision for success.

Statement by H.E. Mr. Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, the President of the Arab Golf Federation: “The launch of the Elite Sports Scholarship program marks a key strategic step within our parallel path to building a fully competitive golf ecosystem in the Arab world.

“While we continue to lay a strong and sustainable foundation locally, we are also committed to partnering with the best international institutions to provide world-class training and professional development for our promising young players. This initiative reflects our dedication to investing in youth talent based on global best practices, empowering them to compete on the international stage.

“In the coming years, as we achieve our ambitious goals, we will be able to rely entirely on our local capabilities and deliver a comprehensive Arab system for developing future champions.”

Noah Alireza

Noah Alireza the Secretary-General of the Arab Golf Federation highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating: “This camp represents a turning point in our journey to establish a clear competitive pathway for Arab golfers. By combining world-class training, international exposure, and meticulous evaluation, we are laying a strong foundation for young Arab talents to rise to the top levels of the sport.”

He added: “The Elite Sports Scholarship Camp is a genuine launchpad toward realising the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of producing a new generation of Arab champions capable of competing globally.

“Through comprehensive assessment programs and strategic partnerships with leading institutions, the Federation is laying the groundwork for a promising future for golf in the Arab world, built on planning, professionalism, and investment in youth potential.”

RELATED: UAE Amateurs Skaik and Mullane take on European test in Cádiz

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Main Image: Arab Golf Federation

The post Arab Golf Federation launches Elite Sports Scholarship Camp with places at IMG Academy on offer appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The 2025 Pan Arab Ladies and Juniors Golf Championship wrapped up in style across two of Egypt’s premier golfing venues — Madinaty Golf Club and Katameya Dunes Golf Club — bringing together over 110 elite young golfers from 15 Arab nations. With 11 competitive divisions spanning both team and individual formats, the event delivered outstanding performances and thrilling finishes that underscored the growing talent in Arab golf.

2025 Pan Arab Championship Boys U13 second place – Jalal Ataya – Lebanon

Organised under the Arab Golf Federation (AGF) and hosted by the Egyptian Golf Federation, this prestigious tournament also marked the implementation of the new Arab Ranking System, a step toward structured development and regional excellence in the sport.

Team Tournament Results

Boys Under-18

Pan Arab Boys Team U18 – Morocco

1st – Morocco
2nd – UAE
3rd – Tunisia

Boys Under-16
1 – Morocco
2 – Egypt
3 – Jordan

Boys Under-13
1 – Morocco
2 – Egypt
3 – Tunisia

Ladies

Pan Arab Ladies Team – Morocco

1 – Morocco
2 – UAE
3 – Tunisia

Girls Under-16
1 – Morocco
2 – Tunisia
3 – Jordan

Individual Tournament Results

Boys Under-18

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by الاتحاد العربي للجولف (@arabgolffederation_)

1 – Salem Al Abkal (Kuwait) – 220 (+7)
2 – Amine El Omari (Morocco) – 220 (+7)
3 – Rashed Ali Alnakby (UAE) – 224 (+11)

Boys Under-16

Pan Arab Boys U16 Individual – Daniil Sokolov – Qatar

1 – Daniil Sokolov (Qatar) – 204 (-9)
2 – Alieldin Salama (Egypt) – 210 (-3)
3 – Mohammed Baouhamou (Morocco) – 213 (E)

Boys Under-13
1 – Ilyes Cauden (Morocco) – 146 (+5)
2 – Jalal Ataya (Lebanon) – 159 (+17)
3 – Mohamed Mehdi Fakori (Morocco) – 160 (+18)

Ladies
1 – Rim Imni (Morocco) – 206 (-7)
2 – Hannah Cheryl Alan (UAE) – 220 (+7)
3 – Sara Ali Abubaker (UAE) – 222 (+9)

Girls Under-16

Pan Arab Girls U16 Individual – Noha Ghadi – Morocco

1 – Noha Ghadi (Morocco) – 221 (+8)
2 – Lara Bakhour (Lebanon) – 229 (+16)
3 – Sophia Zbiri (Morocco) – 229 (+16)

Girls Under-13
1 – Fatima Zahara (Morocco) – 147 (+5)
2 – Samah Melhli (Morocco) – 148 (+6)
3 – Maya Stamboul (Tunisia) – 179 (+37)

The tournament’s success is a testament to the Arab Golf Federation’s commitment to grassroots and elite player development through the Arab Golf Series.

2025 Pan Arab Ladies and Junior Championship – Team Saudi Arabia

The strong participation, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and the UAE making the podium across categories, demonstrates the level of regional competition in the sport in the Arab world.

With continued focus on development through initiatives like the Arab Ranking System and the support of national federations, events like these are proving pivotal in shaping the next generation of Arab golf champions.

Images: Arab Golf Federation / Egyptian Golf Federation

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

X

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

The post Morocco dominates at Pan Arab Ladies and Juniors Championship appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The Arab Golf Federation and the Egyptian Golf Federation have announced the launch of a “Golf Festival” to run alongside the Pan Arab Junior and Ladies Golf Championship, taking place from Wednesday, 7 May to Saturday, 10 May.

The festival forms part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Arab Golf Federation’s founding, and aims to create an engaging and festive atmosphere around the championship.

The “Golf Festival” will feature a diverse line-up of sporting and entertainment activities designed to boost community engagement with the game. Highlights include performances by The Trick Shot Boys, renowned for their creative and artistic golf displays, and an appearance by PGA Professional Nick Horrocks, recognised for his work in golf education programmes. Attendees can also expect world-class musical performances, prize giveaways, and a variety of food and beverage options.

Omar Hesham Talaat, President of the Egyptian Golf Federation, emphasised that this championship marks the inaugural event of the newly introduced Arab Golf Series (AGS). The AGS is a unified calendar of regional tournaments supported by an official, independent ranking system. It provides Arab golfers with a transparent pathway to elite competition by allowing them to accumulate ranking points that may qualify them for professional-level events.

RELATED: Mullane, Mateiu, and Sokolov crowned inaugural Cedars Golf Championship champions

“The Arab Golf Series strengthens collaboration between the Egyptian and Arab Golf Federations,” said Talaat. “It’s a transformative step towards elevating the sport across the region by encouraging competitive growth and nurturing young talent.”

The championship will be contested across six categories at two premier venues: Madinaty Golf Club and Katameya Dunes Golf Club. Players will compete in the following divisions: Under-13 Girls, Under-16 Girls, Ladies, Under-13 Boys, Under-16 Boys, and Under-18 Boys — all vying for both individual and team honours.

More than 110 players representing 12 nations — Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the UAE, and host country Egypt — are set to compete. The tournament is organised under the supervision of the Arab Golf Federation (AGF), which continues to play a vital role in expanding the sport’s reach and elevating the performance of Arab teams in regional and international events.

Working closely with national federations, the AGF is also rolling out a series of technical and developmental initiatives, including the newly launched Arab Ranking System, which will be implemented throughout this year’s tournament series.

Main Image: Supplied

The post Arab Golf Federation turns 50 with Golf Festival in Egypt appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Located in New Cairo, Egypt, Madinaty Golf Club was designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr. The club boasts an 18-hole Championship golf course and has been awarded “Best Golf Course in Egypt” by the World Golf Awards for four consecutive years — 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. It also won the title of “Africa’s Best Golf Course” for 2024.

Looking ahead, Madinaty will host the Pan Arab Ladies and Juniors Championship as part of the Arab Golf Series from May 7-10 2025.

The event will be co-hosted with the Sir Nick Faldo-designed Katameya Dunes Golf Club (pictured below), under the sanctioning of both the Arab Golf Federation and the Egyptian Golf Federation.

Image supplied

The prestigious championship will feature five divisions across boys’ and girls’ age categories, as well as a ladies’ division in the first round of the Arab Golf Series for Ladies and Juniors.

Eligible countries include: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Main image: Supplied

This article was featured in the May 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine

READ MORE: Where To Play
Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club
Al Zorah Golf Club
Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club
Arabian Ranches Golf Club
Yas Links Abu Dhabi

The post QUICKSHOT: Fairways of the Pharaohs appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Representing ModestGolf Management, Sokolov carded rounds of 69, 69, and 74 to post a tournament total of 212, finishing four under par. His nearest challenger, Sweden’s Victor Larsson, finished five shots back in second place, with the UAE’s Aayan Dadabhoy a further stroke behind in third at two over par.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Daniil Sokolov (@daniil_sokolov_golf)

This marks the Qatar National Men’s Team Player’s second win in a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event — and his second trophy as many weeks.

Winners of the 1st Cedars Championship (L-R) Daniil Sokolov, Sam Mullane, Anca Mateiu

Just last week, he topped the Junior Division at the inaugural Cedars Golf Championship, part of the newly launched Arab Golf Series. He also placed fourth overall in the Men’s Division, earning himself a place in next week’s HotelPlanner Tour event: the UAE Challenge, held at Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club.

With back-to-back wins and a rapidly growing reputation, Sokolov is quickly becoming one to watch on the regional — and potentially global — stage.

Ladies Gross:
Sana Tufail – 73, 72 ,71 (216) E

Junior Boys Division A Gross:
Paul Rezko – 74, 78, 70 (222) +6

Junior Boys Division B Gross:
Rex Richardson – 80, 85, 83 (248) +32

Junior Girls Division A Gross:
Mariya Mailyan – 78,74,77 (229) +13

Main Image: Supplied

The post 14-year-old sensation Daniil Sokolov claims Abu Dhabi Golf Club Open title appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Sixty-six amateur golfers competed for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, Arab Golf Series points, and a coveted spot in the upcoming HotelPlanner Tour event – the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah.

How the Arab Golf Series is paving the way for future champions

The tournament was played over 54 holes, culminating in an 18-hole Stableford format for the final round.

In a dramatic Men’s Division play-off, UAE National Team player Sam Mullane emerged victorious after six tense holes. He battled against Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne, both fellow Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) members. With a sponsor’s invite to next week’s HotelPlanner Tour event at stake, Mullane’s victory was significant.

However, recognising the high level of competition and sportsmanship, the Emirates Golf Federation granted exemptions to both Pinto and Bryne, ensuring their participation in next week’s event alongside Mullane.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Anca Mateiu (@ancagolf_)

Ladies’ Division Champion, Anca Mateiu delivered a stellar performance, shooting rounds of 65-68-73 for a 10-under-par total of 217.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Daniil Sokolov (@daniil_sokolov_golf)

Junior Division Champion, Daniil Sokolov secured victory with a one-under-par total, finishing nine shots ahead of the runner-up. The Qatari National Team player’s outstanding performance also earned him a place in next week’s HotelPlanner Tour event, the UAE Challenge.

Group Photo of Winner and Sponsors at the 1st Cedars Golf Championship

During the prize presentation, attended by EGF Chairman His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi and Vice Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi, Lebanese Golf Federation President Karim Salaam reflected on the significance of the tournament, “It is important for countries to stand with one another. Although Lebanon is going through difficult times, sport can serve as a powerful vehicle for diplomacy.

(R-L) President of the Lebanese Golf Federation Karim Salaam – EGF Chairman His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi – Vice Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi

“Thank you to the Emirates Golf Federation and to our brothers and sisters in the UAE for this opportunity. We look forward to continuing to use this championship for more than just the development of golf.”

The Cedars Championship featured players from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, and the UAE, alongside EGF members and UAE residents.

This event also marked the second tournament in the Arab Golf Series, an initiative launched by the Arab Golf Federation to promote competitive golf across the region.

With thrilling competition, outstanding performances, and a strong message of unity, the inaugural Cedars Championship was more than just a golf tournament—it was a testament to the power of sport in bringing nations together.

Main Image: Emirates Golf Federation

The post Mullane, Mateiu, and Sokolov crowned inaugural Cedars Golf Championship champions appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.