But with the recent regional instability, inbound tourism has undoubtedly been affected, with golf operators across the Gulf experiencing a slowdown in international travel.

Yet rather than stalling momentum, many clubs have used the period to strengthen their local communities and diversify the golfing experience.

Golf Digest Middle East spoke to three leading figures within the regional golf industry to explore how the game has responded to recent challenges — and why many believe the Middle East is entering its most important growth period yet.

Kieren Pratt – EGF Director of Operations, Saif Thabit – Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Akram Skaik – EGF Director General

“At first, we saw next to zero international guests coming to play during March and April, when we would normally expect overseas rounds to be through the roof,” says Kieren Pratt, Director of Operations at the Emirates Golf Federation.

“What we noticed though was a shift toward more community-based events,” he explains. “There was a greater emphasis on inviting local residents and UAE nationals into the clubs, which created a very welcoming environment.”

That shift extended beyond just the desert fairways. Food and beverage outlets became increasingly important social spaces, helping clubs maintain strong engagement despite reduced tourism.

DJ Flanders – Executive Vice President of Troon International

DJ Flanders, Executive Vice President of Troon International, believes the resilience of the resident market surprised many outside the region, looking in.

“There is no question the regional situation impacted inbound tourism and international golf travel,” says Flanders. “What has been really encouraging is how resilient the local golf market has remained, especially in the UAE.”

According to Flanders, golf clubs across the region have evolved into broader lifestyle destinations.

“Golf clubs today are doing a lot more than simply selling tee times,” he says. “They’ve become lifestyle and community hubs where dining, entertainment, family events, wellness, and social activities all play a much bigger role.”

Chris May – CEO Viya

That transformation has become increasingly visible across the UAE’s leading golf destinations. Chris May, CEO Viya, says clubs that invested heavily in membership experience before the recent challenges were better positioned to navigate the downturn in overseas visitors.

“We saw a significant number of overseas golf rounds cancelled initially,” says May. “But the additional tee-time availability became very popular with members during some of the peak golfing months.”

May says clubs across the UAE experienced a renewed sense of camaraderie during the period.

“I’ve seen a great level of community feel in all our clubs,” he says. “Members really valued the fact that clubs remained operational and continued providing a feeling of belonging during uncertain times.”

Rayan Ahmed – Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit 2025/2026 season

That sense of belonging is shaping a new era of Middle East golf. Pratt even points to the rapid growth of women’s and junior golf as one of the region’s biggest positives.

“There has been a big focus on community, particularly around women’s and junior development, and creating opportunities to bring new golfers into the game,” he says.

Flanders agrees, noting that golf in the Gulf is no longer viewed solely through the lens of tourism.

“Years ago, golf here was viewed much more through major events and tourism,” he says. “Today there is a much stronger local market made up of resident golfers, families, juniors, women’s golf, and year-round participation.”

“We’ve seen significant growth in the number of UAE nationals and women taking up golf,” says May. “Facilities such as Topgolf and indoor golf venues are helping grow participation and introducing more people to the game.”

Topgolf Dubai

Dubai’s Topgolf venue has become one of the busiest in the world, with Topgolf Yas Island Abu Dhabi scheduled to open later this year. The wider GCC region is also entering a new expansion phase. Long recognised as a leading host of professional tournaments, especially across the DP World Tour, the Middle East is now seeing increased investment in golf infrastructure beyond the UAE.

“Outside of America, the UAE and the GCC host one of the highest numbers of professional tournaments in the world,” says Pratt. “The trend already emerging is one of expansion.”

Al Mouj Golf in Muscat, Oman

Countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain are continuing to invest in new facilities, helping position the Gulf as a multi-destination golf market.

“The facilities performing best are the ones creating reasons for people to visit regularly, not just for golf,” says Flanders. “People are looking for flexibility, social connection, good dining, entertainment, and experiences they can enjoy with family and friends.”

Technology is also becoming increasingly important in driving engagement.

May highlights the success of Dubai Golf’s VIYA platform, which now connects tens of thousands of users across golf, hospitality, wellness, and leisure experiences. “The growing importance of tech in golf is significant,” says May. “We now have 25,000 active golf users on the platform in the UAE.”

Meanwhile, Pratt points to the continued growth of amateur and professional events as evidence of the region’s confidence. The Emirates Golf Federation is preparing to host the third edition of the UAE Cup in Al Ain this December after attracting players from 38 countries last year.

“We believe this will be the best edition yet,” says Pratt. “I look forward to it becoming an event that is firmly on the world stage.”

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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.

The post Get your June 2026 edition of Golf Digest Middle East here! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

For Team UAE, the spotlight comes at a pivotal moment. Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Operations Director Kieren Pratt has seen the national team make significant strides over the past two years. “All of the boys have been putting in a lot more work,” Pratt said. “General Abdullah Al Hashmi, President of the EGF, is very keen to see them succeed, and they’ve taken that on board.

“They’re practising more and communicating closely with head coach Faycal Serghini. We’re now focusing on peaking for the right tournaments at the right time.

“They’re in a really good place right now, and where better to perform well than at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship this time next week.”

Ahmad Skaik

28-year-old team member Ahmad Skaik reflects on the team’s recent successes, “We’ve done well as a team recently—we finished second at the Pan-Arab Championship for the first time, and we won gold at the GCC Championship in Saudi Arabia.

“We feel like we’re doing our part, and now we want to perform on even bigger stages,” he said.

Rayan Ahmed

Support from the Emirates Golf Federation has been critical to that progress. Rayan Ahmad emphasises the advantages of that backing: “They allow us to travel, play a lot of events, and give us access to amazing golf courses.

“It’s a level of support that many golfers around the world don’t get, so it’s a real privilege for us all.”

The AAC is one of the most prestigious amateur tournaments globally. Past champions and competitors include Hideki Matsuyama, Cameron Smith, Si Woo Kim, and Min Woo Lee, all of whom have gone on to succeed on the world’s biggest tours. The 2025 winner earns an exemption into the 2026 Masters Tournament and the 154th Open Championship, while the runner-up secures a place in Open Final Qualifying.

Emirates Golf Club – Majlis Course

Opened in 1988 as the first grass course in the region, the Majlis has since become a Middle East golfing icon. It is host to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour, with champions including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Seve Ballesteros, and Ernie Els, who still holds the course record of 61.

Pratt highlighted the scale of hosting such a tournament as the AAC. “Even from the logistics and event planning side of things, The Masters and The R&A teams have been incredibly professional with every small detail.

“I’ve been involved in large tournaments before, but they consider everything: how tablecloths are laid at the welcome reception, seating arrangements, entrances and exits, where photos are taken—they haven’t missed a single thing.

“When it comes to hosting and hospitality, they set the benchmark. It’s been exciting to learn from them from an operational perspective as well. The tournament itself is huge, but I’ve been equally impressed with how they prepare for the week.”

Jonathan Selvaraj, Rayan Ahmad, Ahmad Skaik and Sam Mullane

The 16th edition of the AAC features 22 Arab golfers from ten Middle Eastern countries, alongside a full international field. The host nation UAE, will be represented by Skaik, Ahmad, Mohammad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rashed Al Emadi.

The championship tees off on October 23 for four days of tournament action, with Emirates Golf Club ready to deliver another memorable week for the Asia-Pacific region and the UAE’s rising golf stars.

RELATED: Homegrown hope at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

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