Cover star Chris Gotterup shares an honest look at the swing thoughts, misses and practice habits he’s working through, reminding us that even tour winners battle the same frustrations as everyday golfers.

We also explore the evolving world of professional golf, from Luis Masaveau’s move to LIV Golf to The Undercover Pro’s candid take on life beyond the PGA Tour rumour mill. Behind the scenes, we examine the changing face of tour life through the lens of the European Tour Performance Institute and the realities of making a living as a golf professional.

Closer to home, Golf During a Conflict looks at the resilience of the Middle East golf scene, while our travel features visit Al Mouj Golf and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club ahead of the 2026 U.S. Open.

Instruction remains central, with lessons from J. J. Spaun, Aaron Rai and Phil Mickelson, plus our 2026 Hot List guide to the year’s best golf balls. We also continue celebrating regional golf through The Gulf Club and standout performances from across the Middle East.

All this and plenty more in the June 2026 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your local golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

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The Viya Golf Trophy will once again see the UAE’s top male and female Professionals take on the best male and female Amateurs in a Ryder Cup-style showdown over two competitive days across the 17th and 18th May 2026.

To earn a spot, the top 12 Professionals have had to qualify through the Emirates PGA’s Viya Golf Trophy Order of Merit. The Amateurs followed a similar process, with the top 12 coming from the EGF’s Gross Order of Merit.

The remaining four spots on each team are Captain’s Picks—selected at the discretion of Professional Captain Sujjan Singh and Amateur Captain Jay Mullane.

The event also features a Ladies Challenge Match, with the top two Professional Ladies facing off against the top two Amateur Ladies, based on their respective Order of Merit standings.

Amateur Oscar Craig – 2025 Viya Golf Trophy

12 months ago, the Amateurs fought back against the Professionals to retain the Viya Golf Trophy once again, following a 16-16 tie at the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, Dubai.

See below the 2026 Viya Golf Trophy Players

Professional Team:

Automatic Qualifiers:

• Sujjan Singh (C) – Claude Harmon Performance Academy

• Jackson Bell – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Paul Shields – Dubai Hills Golf Club

• Stuart Smith – Precision Golf

• Stephen Malone – GolfKraft

• Damien Scott – Al Hamra Golf Club

• Matthew Brookes – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

• David Gray – Golf Souk

• Jan Hejna – The Track, Meydan Golf

• Louis Gaughan – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

• Chris Steel – Five Iron Golf

• Tom Hanson – Trackman

Captains Picks:

• Charles Morra

• Matt Rice – GolfKraft

• Tom Ogilvie – Emirates Golf Club

• Faycal Serghini – Emirates Golf Federation

Amateur Team:

Automatic Qualifiers:

• Jay Mullane (C) – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Rayan Ahmed – Emirates Golf Federation

• Adrian Larsson – The Els Club Dubai

• Alexander Rushika – Emirates Golf Federation

• Jonathan Selveraj – Emirates Golf Federation

• Sam Mullane – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Mikhail Pinto – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

• Thomas Stephenson – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Dominic Morton – Trump International Dubai

• Alistair Hess – The Els Club Dubai

• Aayan Dadabhoy – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Louis Thorne – Jumeirah Golf Estates

Captains Picks:

• Simon Dunn – Al Hamra Golf Club

• Luke Challis – The Els Club Dubai

• Victor Larsson – The Els Club Dubai

• Dan Bryne – The Els Club Dubai

Ladies Challenge Match

Professionals:

• Lea Pouillard – Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Priyanka Parmar – Emirates Golf Club

Amateurs:

• Sana Tufail – Yas Links Abu Dhabi
• Alayna Rafiqie – Emirates Golf Club

Sujan Singh, Professional Captain, commented ahead of one of the UAE’s longest-standing tournaments, “The EPGA season has seen unprecedented participation from professionals competing to qualify for the team, with the standard of golf among the strongest we’ve seen in recent years.

“We have an excellent balance of rookies and players who have represented the team for many years, with our strength built on the camaraderie and experience we share. We’re all looking forward Sunday morning!”

Jay Mullane, Amateur Captain, also commented, “As for this year’s Viya Golf Trophy, I’ve been excited since the last event finished tied. I think this year is set to be an exciting one for everyone involved.

“Our team is one of the strongest we’ve ever had, and every player selected has worked hard to earn their place. Everyone is ready and raring to go, and I’m really looking forward to what promises to be another fantastic edition of the Viya Golf Trophy.”

Originally established by Dubai Golf, the event rotates across five world-class courses: Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo and Majlis courses, Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth and Fire courses, and the Championship Course at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

This year see’s day one on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, with the final day being held at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

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Main Image: Emirates PGA

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This month, we lead with cover star Robert MacIntyre, who opens up on returning home, the bonds forged through the Ryder Cup, and what it takes to perform under the brightest lights.

Elsewhere, we explore golf’s expanding global footprint. In Baku, Dreamland Golf Club is redefining destination golf, while in Dubai, Discovery Dunes showcases the seamless blend of design, exclusivity and luxury that continues to shape the region’s appeal.

Our Voices section offers a range of perspectives: Neal Shipley shares his personal journey, the debate around Brooks Koepka’s place in the professional game continues, and Jerry Tarde assesses Brian Rolapp’s challenging new role. Alex Myers also introduces the inspiring story of Chaz Bowker and his unconventional route into adaptive golf.

Innovation remains a key theme, with Rory Flanagan and PLATFORM Golf pushing the indoor game forward here in Abu Dhabi. Instruction, as ever, is central—featuring insights from Cam Young, Michael Kolar and more—while our Hot List, travel pages and Gulf Club coverage round out another diverse issue.

All this and plenty more in the May 2026 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your local golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

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Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit Winners – 2024-25

The tournament will bring together some of the UAE’s top amateur golfers in a highly anticipated season finale.

The EGF confirmed that 56 of the country’s leading male and female amateur players will compete, having earned their places through strong performances across the season. The field will also include a select number of wildcard entries, with players vying for the titles of Best Male Player and Best Female Player of the 2025–2026 season.

The lineup features a standout mix of top-ranked players in the Federation’s overall standings, alongside some of the UAE’s most promising junior talents. Additional invitations round out a field that highlights the depth and quality of amateur golf in the country.

Men’s and women’s competitions will be contested over three days, with results contributing to the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). Junior events will take place across Saturday and Sunday as part of the tournament programme.

Oscar Craig – 2025 Dubai Golf Trophy

With double ranking points on offer, the event carries added significance, playing a decisive role in determining this season’s champions across multiple categories. It also represents the final opportunity for players to qualify for the Dubai Golf Trophy, one of the standout events on the domestic calendar.

President of the Emirates Golf Federation, General Abdullah Al Hashmi, described the tournament as the culmination of an exceptional and successful season, noting that it represents more than just a competition—it is a celebration of the players’ dedication and achievements throughout the year.

He added that the Federation remains committed to elevating the standard of golf in the UAE and creating greater opportunities for players to compete on the international stage.

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Faysal, it feels like the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has really progressed on in the last few years. What do you put that down to?

I have only been with the EGF for three years and honestly, the growth has been very clear. It’s not just about results, it’s the whole structure, the mindset, the way everything is being approached now.

General Abdullah Al Hashimi

A lot of that comes from the leadership. General Abdullah Al Hashimi and his team have a very clear vision of where they want to take golf in the UAE. They’ve worked extremely hard to build relationships internationally and to bring big events to the country. That gives the players exposure and belief.

You can really feel that things are moving forward with purpose.

When you look at the national players coming through, both men and women, how much have you seen them develop since you started?

They’ve come a really long way. Technically, mentally, physically, you can see the improvement in every area.

But first of all, it’s down to them. The players are working hard, they’re committed, and they want it. As a coach, you guide them, you share your experience, but they are the ones putting in the work every day.

It always starts with the players, their discipline and how much they’re willing to push themselves.

At the same time, the structure around them has improved a lot. The training programmes are more organised, the tournament schedule is stronger, and the Federation is supporting them properly.

When you combine all of that, it creates a great environment for them to grow.

Ahmad Skaik

Ahmad Skaik turning pro is a big moment. What does that mean for him, and for golf in the UAE?

For Ahmad, it’s a big step. Turning professional is where things become very real. Now it’s about competing week in, week out and trying to earn your place on the big tours.

For UAE golf, it’s also very important. It shows the pathway is working. The goal is to have more Emirati players, both men and women, competing at that level. Ahmad is one of the first to take that step, and hopefully others will follow.

You’ve obviously worked closely with him, how proud are you of what he’s done and the journey you’ve been on together?

I’m very proud of him. From the beginning, you could see he had something a bit different. Not just talent, but also the mindset he has.

Winning the GCC Championship at 17-under was a big moment, and also when I was on the bag for him at the APGC at Emirates Golf Club, that was special for me.

You are able to see how he handles himself in those situations and those moments confirm the level he can reach.

UAE Men’s Team

Are there any performances or moments that really stand out to you from the past few years within the UAE National Players?

There have been quite a few, to be honest.

Ahmad winning the GCC Championship at 17-under stands out straight away. Then we also won the team title there in Saudi as well, that was a proud one for everyone.

Jonathan Selvaraj winning the Arab Professional Championship in Morocco was also very special.

Rayan Ahmed qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur was a big achievement, and as a team, when they finished second at the Pan Arab in Al Zorah, that showed a lot of character.

And of course, the girls winning the Pan Arab in Tunisia was huge. It shows the depth we are starting to build.

How’s this season looking for the national team, especially with a few events being pushed back?

The season was looking very good, but with what’s happening in the region, we’ve had to adjust our plans.

Like everyone, we hope things settle soon. For now, we stay ready. The players are still working, still preparing, and when the opportunities come again, we’ll be ready to compete.

Mohamad Skaik – Octavio Passos/Getty Images

You took the team out to Morocco for a training camp last summer. Is that something you’re looking to do again, and how useful are those trips?

That camp was very important for us. Morocco offers great conditions, good weather, and strong facilities.

We’re still deciding what to do this year, maybe Morocco again, maybe somewhere else, but these trips are always valuable. You step away from the usual routine and really focus on the work.

At the same time, it helps the group come closer together, and that’s something you see later in competition.

How do you see Arab golf as a whole right now? It feels like it’s in a strong place.

Yes, it’s in a very strong place right now. You can see more players from the region getting top results internationally, and that gives confidence to the next generation.

UAE National Players

From the UAE, you’ve got Adrián Otaegui finishing third recently in South Africa on the DP World Tour. Then, as well Ahmad Skaik, Joshua Grenville-Wood, Jonathan Selvaraj, Mohamed Skaik and Rayan Ahmad are all making good progress and gaining experience. Within the UAE women’s programme, you have Sara Ali Abubaker, Aassiya Saleem, Intissar Rich, Jamie Camero, Hannah Alan, Lara El Chaib and Anca Mateiu all pushing forward.

Then from Morocco, you have players like Adam Bresnu, Hugo Trommetter, Ayoub Lguirati and Mehdi Fakori are all progressing very well, while on the women’s side Maha Haddioui and Ines Laklalech continue to perform at a high level. From Egypt, Issa Abou El Ela is another great example.

It’s improving throughout the whole Arab region. There’s more structure now, more opportunities, and most importantly, the players believe they can compete at that level.

Main image: Emirates Golf Federation

This article was featured in the April 2026 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine

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This month, we turn our attention to Augusta National with a Masters Preview special, one of the most anticipated weeks in golf.

Our cover star, Adam Scott, arrives on the eve of his 25th Masters appearance. The 2013 champion reflects on the nerves that never quite go away, the swings he still admires, and the subtle but significant changes that continue to shape Augusta National.

We also revisit one of the course’s most fascinating stories, the evolution of the par 3 16th. It remains the only hole not originally designed by Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones, and while it is now one of the most recognisable scenes in golf, the version we know today did not appear until 1948.

Elsewhere, we look back at some of the most popular Masters victories, the wins that resonated far beyond the leaderboard and captured the imagination of fans around the world.

Closer to home, Faycal Serghini, Head Coach of the Emirates Golf Federation’s elite squad, shares his insight into the rapid growth of the game in the UAE. From developing young players to building a pathway towards international success, his perspective highlights just how quickly the landscape is evolving.

We also sit down with Dyootiman Pal, better known as DP, General Manager of eGolf Megastore, to understand what lies ahead for the region’s largest golf retailer and how the modern golf consumer is changing.

Beyond Augusta, there is plenty more to catch up on. Bryson DeChambeau claimed another LIV Golf title in South Africa, edging Jon Rahm in a playoff as the event delivered one of the most significant crowds the league has seen. We also look ahead to the return of the Turkish Airlines Open at the National Golf Club in Belek, a venue with a long history of championship golf.

Our Hot List coverage continues with Part 3, focusing on the latest woods and hybrids making their mark this season.

As ever, there is something for every golfer in this month’s issue!

All this and plenty more in the April 2026 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

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This month marks the 200th edition of Golf Digest Middle East. It is a milestone that takes us back to 2008, when we first launched the magazine and set out to bring world-class golf coverage to the region.

There is no better way to celebrate the number one golf magazine in the Middle East than by reflecting on the local stories, major events and exclusive features with the game’s leading professionals that have shaped our journey. You can revisit some of those highlights on page 44!

It has been another busy stretch for golf in the region. Freddy Schott claimed his maiden DP World Tour title in Bahrain, while Patrick Reed continued his strong run of form with his second win of the season in Qatar.

LIV Golf opened its campaign under the lights at Riyadh Golf Club with Elvis Smylie taking centre stage, before the Ladies European Tour arrived a week later for the PIF Global Series, where Charley Hull triumphed at the PIF Saudi Ladies International.

This month, we also sat down with South Africa’s Jayden Schaper to discuss his journey to two DP World Tour titles at just 24 years of age.

Our Hot List coverage continues with a focus on the latest irons to hit the market. There are 34 models worth your attention!

Instruction remains at the heart of what we do. Bobby Clampett explains why and how to hit down on your irons, Todd Anderson breaks down the three essential tee shots every player should master, and Katie Dahl demonstrates a punch shot that can get you out of trouble when you need it most.

All this and plenty more in the March 2026 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

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New Zealander Ryan Fox fronts this month’s issue and opens up on the journey behind one of the most recognisable swings in professional golf. It may not be textbook, but it has delivered 19 professional wins, including two on the PGA Tour and four on the DP World Tour. Foxy breaks down how he found confidence in his own move and why embracing what works for you can be far more powerful than chasing perfection.

We look back on a whirlwind stretch in the UAE that saw both the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club take centre stage, it was very much another reminder of why the Dubai Desert Classic continues to earn its reputation as the Major of the Middle East.

Away from the ropes, our exclusive interview with Ronan Keating offers a different perspective on the game. Now a Dubai resident, the Irish pop icon explains why golf has become an even bigger part of his life, from competitive rounds with friends to what the game gives him away from the stage.

Instruction takes a front seat this month too. Liv Jackson from Five Iron Golf Dubai shows how to shape shots with purpose, Travis Fulton explains how one simple adjustment can add real distance off the tee, and Mark Blackburn challenges the idea that a one-piece takeaway is always the right move.

We also kick off Part 1 of our annual Hot List equipment coverage, starting with the latest drivers hitting the market and the models worth your attention as the season gets underway.

All this and plenty more in the February 2026 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

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A new year begins the only way it should in this part of the world, with elite golf front and centre in Dubai. As the calendar turns, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic once again sets the tone for the season, bringing the global game back to one of its most iconic stages.

Rory McIlroy returns to Emirates Golf Club as World Number Two, marking 20 years since he first teed it up here as a teenage amateur in 2006. He leads a world-class field that includes Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and the very best of the DP World Tour, all chasing early momentum on the Majlis course.

Dubai resident and former champion Rafa Cabrera Bello walks us through three of the Majlis’ defining holes, sharing the decisions that matter most when the pressure is on. Alongside him, Emirates Golf Club Senior Teaching Professional Tom Ogilvie breaks those same holes down from an amateur’s perspective, offering practical advice you can take straight to the course.

Ryan Fox is making his 10th start in Dubai and reflects on a tournament that helped shape his career, as well as his long-standing involvement with Arena, giving him a rare behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to deliver one of the Tour’s flagship weeks.

Elsewhere in the region, we look ahead to the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort, where course upgrades and firmer greens are set to provide a fresh challenge. We look back at the transformation of Bahrain’s Riffa Golf Club to what it is today as the Royal Golf Club, while 14-year-old Qatari talent Daniil Sokolov prepares for his third appearance at the Qatar Masters.

Saudi Arabia continues to grow its presence in the game too, with Qiddiya City set to host the Faldo Series, led by Sir Nick Faldo, plus all the latest updates from the Arab Golf Federation.

Beyond the Middle East, we dive into golf’s coolest records, revisit Walter Hagen’s famous 54-hole journey along England’s south coast, and take a look inside Bud Cauley’s bag. As always, there are tips and insights throughout the issue designed to help you play better golf straight away.

From all of us at Golf Digest Middle East, we wish you a happy, healthy and inspiring start to 2026.

You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided below or download it to your favourite device for later.

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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.

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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

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Yas Links Abu Dhabi

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