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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As Executive Vice-President of Troon International, DJ oversees one of the world’s leading golf management companies, Troon. A portfolio that consists of over 900 properties across more than 30 countries— it includes some of the most prestigious courses in the UAE and wider region.

In this exclusive conversation with Golf Digest Middle East, Flanders shares his insights on what makes the Middle East a unique golfing destination, why a new generation of golfers is redefining what it means to be a golf club member today and the untapped potential of golf tourism here in the UAE. This is a deep dive into the business and culture of golf in one of the world’s most exciting markets.

 

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Madinaty Golf Club (Image supplied)

DJ, let’s start with a bit of background on Troon. Can you briefly explain what Troon does in golf for those that might not know?

Of course, back in 1990, Dana Garmany, our founder, opened a golf course for a Japanese group in Scottsdale, Arizona. They were more focused on real estate development and didn’t have the experience in the golf course side of things. Dana had the idea of creating a management company that would run all the golf operations so the owners could focus on what they were best at.

He took inspiration from the hotel model—where an asset is owned but operated by a third-party expert. So that’s essentially how Troon was born, and we grew from there.

That model struck a chord, and as the industry evolved, so did we. Today, we support ownership groups in a wide range of ways, always focusing on performance, experience, and long-term value. That commitment has been central to our growth over the past three decades.

Montgomerie Golf Club (Image supplied)

When you look at a golf course and think “we can help improve this,” what are the key things you look for?

It always starts with the golf course. We were founded by golf professionals, so we understand the impact of investing in the course and maintaining it to a high standard—it drives revenue and membership engagement.

We’ve also learned how to run courses more efficiently. We’re the largest buyer of golf stuff, so we can buy fertilizers, chemicals, irrigation parts cheaper than a standalone client could.

Often, we walk into facilities that aren’t operating to their full potential. We believe in the power of sharing goals—daily or monthly revenue targets—so staff feel ownership and can drive results. Once that alignment is in place, a facility can really thrive.

Al Hamra Golf Club (Image supplied)

Troon currently manages 11 courses across the Middle East, including in Egypt, Oman, and the UAE. What makes this region such a great destination for golf?

The ability to play all year round is a huge factor. Sure, the summer months are tough, but we still see solid participation. We’ve got very supportive ownership groups and strong partnerships with local governing bodies like the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), which is helping grow the game locally.

Obviously, I’m a big supporter of Troon, but there’s some other very good operators out there that are consistent in our approach of driving quality and consistency. That then makes this destination reliable for golfers to come to.

I have seen where there’s a lot of competition it can become a race to the bottom if you don’t have good operators that are protecting and providing the right experience, it can confuse the market. But I think we do a good job here, working together to drive the golf market in the UAE and I think it’s going to continue to grow.

In your experience, how popular is golf in the Middle East?

It’s big—and growing—but I’d say it’s been done responsibly. Since Emirates Golf Club opened in the late ‘80s, courses have been added steadily rather than all at once. That allowed each club a fair chance to succeed as tourism and domestic participation grew. New courses are coming online now, and the market is ready for it. There’s a real effort to grow both domestic demand and golf tourism. The key is responsible development, and I think the UAE has nailed that approach.

Al Zorah Golf Club (Image supplied)

Can you give us an idea of the mix between resident golfers and international visitors in the region?

Sure. I’d say around 10% of our rounds come from international guests. I know many of the people that read Golf Digest Middle East think it’s a lot more than that, but during the summer months, there’s not a lot of international play here, it’s more domestic play.

The EGF now has over 21,000 registered golfers—triple what it was 10 years ago. And The R&A estimates around 40,000 domestic golfers in total.

Still, 10% being international guests is a relatively low number. You look at Scotland’s at 55%, and I don’t know if we’ll ever be at that number, but I think it’d be great if we could get up to 15 or 20%. The more inventory of golf courses that come on is great, because we’re then taking pressure off bringing those international golfers in while still having availability for the local golfers.

We have to take care of our members and our domestic golfers as we still grow our golf tourism.

Dubai Hills Golf Club (Image supplied)

Was there a recent spike in participation?

Yes—after COVID, we saw a big surge. We have seen a bit of a softening but it’s been a gentle fall, which we were happy about. We thought it might be a bit more dramatic but I think that’s a compliment to our operators in the region. Golf was one of the few sports you could play safely during COVID, and that created long-term “stickiness.”

We’ve now got four generations playing—Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—and they all want different things. COVID threw them all together, and now we’re working to cater to everyone.

You’ve got Topgolf, which is “nontraditional golf”, and that has seen a tremendous amount of growth. Those golfers are entering the game in a completely different fashion, they’re learning the game with hats on backwards and music playing, then they’re going to “traditional” golf clubs where they have to tuck their shirt, wear their hat forward and have high socks on. Millennials and Gen Zs are actually the biggest spenders, but they prefer a more informal, social atmosphere.

So that creates a little bit of a conflict, but as operators, we need to manage that gap between those generations and make it relevant for all and make them all understand that different generations are using our golf courses differently, but they’re equally as important.

It’s about managing those expectations while respecting traditional golf values.

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The Els Club Dubai (Image supplied)

If the UAE wants to attract more golfers from North America or Asia, who should it target?

The UAE isn’t a budget destination—and that’s okay. Golf tourists tend to be high-net-worth individuals.

We’re starting to see traction from North America, especially with more direct flights with Emirates for example. But I think Asia—particularly Korea—is a huge opportunity. Seoul has around 6 million golfers who can’t play much golf in winter.

To attract them, we need to adapt: more caddie programs, some language support, and food offerings that meet their expectations. We already have a strong Korean community here, so we have a good base to build on.

What would appeal to a high-net-worth American visiting the UAE for golf?

It has to be more than just golf—it’s the full experience. We’ve got great courses, but also incredible hotels, restaurants, and adventures. Boomers might explore the culture, while Gen Zs want skydiving. Dubai offers something for everyone—and that’s the story we need to tell internationally and just get the word out.

What role does golf play in business tourism here?

A big one. It often extends the length of stay. Someone might come for a conference, then stay an extra day or two to play golf. That adds hotel nights, food and beverage spend, and more.

We’re also improving at integrating golf events with conferences. That synergy is growing, and it’s a real opportunity.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club (Image supplied)

Is Troon relying mostly on members and casual guests, or is there a big corporate golf presence as well?

The most successful courses are diversified. Not everyone golfs—but everyone eats.

So yes, we run corporate golf days, but we also focus on events that attract non-golfers. Concerts, putting contests, and social events are great ways to bring people to the club.

Globally, about 80% of people who live on golf courses don’t actually play golf. They live there for the view and the lifestyle. If we make clubs a social hub—an extension of their home—we engage them in a different but equally valuable way.

There’s a strong link between golf and luxury residential communities in the UAE. Is that a focus for Troon?

It is—and that relationship has evolved.

Previously, clubs were more about pure golf. Now, Millennials and Gen Zs want family-friendly, time-efficient experiences.

They want to bring the kids or have family areas while they play.

We’re seeing clubhouses become more like community hubs. The Els Club Dubai is a perfect example. It originally opened as a core golf experience and over time it’s really become a core community experience. It’s been very successful with doing that.

You’ll start to see more clubs come online going down that community hub type to attract just as many non-golfers as golfers to the golf club.

LA Vie Oman (Image supplied)

Have UAE hotels been able to capitalise on golf’s popularity?

Some have, and there’s room for improvement.

Hotels have done well in their own right, but golf tourism hasn’t always been a focus. As more hotels open, I think we’ll see them turn to golf as a way to drive longer stays and higher spend.

It always helps when the hotel GM is a golfer—they “get it” and are more likely to partner with us on great golf packages.

Golf in the UAE is surprisingly accessible. Can you talk about that?

Absolutely—we’re a bit spoiled! Almost everything is within 30 minutes, traffic willing!

We also get a lot of last-minute players. Business travellers with a long layover or late flight often find themselves with extra time—and they head to one of our courses.

We’ll provide rental clubs, and they’ll be playing under the lights at Al Hamra or The Track at Meydan before hopping on a plane. That’s a pretty unique experience!

The Allegria Golf Club (Image supplied)

What does the future of golf in the region look like? And can we expect Troon to expand?

Yes, if I do my job right!

There are some exciting new projects coming, and the region is ready for it. Growth is happening from both ends—domestically and through tourism—and it’s being done responsibly.

As long as we maintain that balance, new clubs will succeed, and the region will continue to thrive as a global golf destination.

Finally, how would you describe the Troon Golf experience?

We want every guest to feel like a member for a day. Dana Garmany’s vision back in 1990 was a private-club-level experience for everyone. We bring that to life by personalising the experience—putting your name on your cart and locker, using your name throughout your visit, and delivering consistent quality from the course to the food and beverage. Our team is fanatical about standards and service. With 940+ properties worldwide, no one wants to be the weak link. That commitment is what defines the Troon experience.

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

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Commencing at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort with the Team Cup, this three-day Matchplay event, scheduled from 10 to 12 January, will feature Major champions Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose skipper their Continental Europe and Great Britain & Ireland teams respectively, under the guidance of Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald.

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Justin Rose, Luke Donald and Francesco Molinari – Getty Images

Following the opening event in Abu Dhabi, the DP World Tour will travel to the bordering emirate of Dubai for the 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Where Rory McIlroy will seek a record-breaking fifth Dallah trophy in the Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club, joined alongside Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott and a host of other top stars starting on the 16th  January.

Thorbjørn Olesen 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Championship winner – Getty Images

The Tour’s then continues on with the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the 23rd January at Al Hamra Golf Club, before the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship the following week on the 30th January at the Royal Golf Club.

The Royal Golf Club Bahrain

The swing of events will then conclude with the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, commencing on the 6th February, hosted at Doha Golf Club.

Rikuya Hoshino 2024 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters winner – Getty Images

See the full tournament swing below

Team Cup
Abu Dhabi Golf Resort
Abu Dhabi, UAE
January 10-12
Defending: Team Continental Europe

Hero Dubai Desert Classic
Emirates Golf Club
Dubai, UAE
January 16-19
Prize Fund: US$9 Million (Rolex Series)
Defending: Rory McIlroy

Ras Al Khaimah Championship
Al Hamra Golf Club
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
January 23-26
Prize Fund: US$2.5 Million
Defending: Thorbjørn Olesen

Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship
Royal Golf Club
Kingdom Of Bahrain, Bahrain
January 30 – February 02
Prize Fund: US$2.5 Million
Defending: Dylan Frittelli

Commercial Bank Qatar Masters
Doha Golf Club
Doha, Qatar
February 06-09
Prize Fund: US$2.5 Million
Defending: Rikuya Hoshino

Main Image: Richard Heathcote / Getty Images

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Otaegui, who has made the UAE his home for the past 13 years, moved to the country at the age of 19. Since 2019, Otaegui has been an ambassador for the Emirates Golf Federation, supporting the UAE National Golf Team, having played a key role in national training programmes and has been involved with the UAE Determined Golfers Programme, launched at the DP World Tour Championship in November 2021.

Otaegui’s amateur career includes notable victories such as the 2010 British Boys Championship and the Spanish Amateur Championship in 2010, 2011, and 2018. He also won the 2010 Open de Paris, a professional event, during his amateur years.

Adrian Otaegui wins at Valderrama. Ross Kinnaird

Since turning professional, he has accumulated five DP World Tour victories, including the 2017 Paul Lawrie Match Play in Germany, the 2018 Belgian Open, the 2020 Scottish Championship, the 2022 Andalucía Valderrama Masters, and most recently, the 2024 Volvo China Open.

On representing the UAE, Otaegui said, “The UAE is my home, and I love its culture and innovation over the last 50 years. My motivation is to represent the UAE on the world stage and aim for an Olympic medal for this incredible country.

“I also believe that young Emirati golfers need role models to inspire them to improve, and I am excited to help develop the game here and work with the Emirates Golf Federation to create an elite programme for future champions.”

General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, commented, “This is a fantastic achievement, not only for Adrian but for UAE golf as a whole. We will continue to strive for excellence on the global stage.

“Adrian has been a tremendous ambassador for UAE golf, and his integrity both on and off the course sets an example for our programmes and national players. We wish Adrian, his family, and his team continued success, and we look forward to many more milestones in the future.”

Otaegui’s first event back on the DP World Tour, following a 34th-place finish in the 2023-2024 Race to Dubai Rankings, will be the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa, from 5-8 December 2024.

Main Image: Emirates Golf Federation

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For over 15 years the soul of Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship has been the journey its competitors have taken to get here. And boy, have there been some journeys. That the winner is afforded starts in the Masters and Open Championship are just the cherries on top—as life-changing as those major experiences are.

Look no further Rachid Akl. At 66, the veteran Lebanon amateur golfer is the oldest player in the field at the iconic Taiheiyo Club this week. Last Friday, Akl was sitting in his airplane seat ready to fly from Beirut to Jordan and onto Tokyo. When the plane was delayed, Akl began to wonder what caused the hold up. He looked outside and saw bombs dropping on the southern suburbs of Beirut. The explosions were targeting the militant group Hezbollah, which is in the midst of a devastating conflict with Israel.

Who are the Middle Eastern countries and players competing in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

“During the takeoff from Beirut, we heard from inside the plane, 10 or 15 rockets [landed] near us, I think 500 meters,” Akl said. This was only a week after Akl had won the Senior Cyprus Open in the middle of the Mediterranean. As the plane took off from Beirut, Akl saw enormous clouds of smoke.

But Akl was not going to miss his ninth start in the Asia-Pacific Amateur, even if he had to avoid checking his phone during practice rounds out of fear of distressing news. “I love to play golf. My life is golf. I wanted to represent my country in this tournament,” he says.

It’s not hard to see the reverence for which amateur golfers in the region have for the Asia-Pacific Amateur. Launched in 2009 by former Augusta National chairman Billy Payne in an effort to grow the game, it is jointly run by the home of the Masters and the R&A. The move quickly yielded results. Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, won the Asia-Pacific Amateur in 2010 and 2011. The 2012 champion, Guan Tianlang of China, became the youngest player to make the cut in PGA Tour history at the 2013 Masters when he was 14 years and five months old.

This week, at the Taiheiyo Club, it’s being staged at the foot of Mount Fuji. Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman were winners of the Taiheiyo Masters in their prime and Tiger Woods’ chipped in for eagle to join a playoff at the 2001 WGC World Cup.

Akl’s score and position on Day 1—a 96 to sit in last place—doesn’t reflect his ability. He’s a scratch golfer who plays out of the Golf Club of Lebanon, the nation’s only course. Earlier this year, he won a World Amateur Golf Ranking official event in Jordan.

On top of the leaderboard on Thursday was Indonesia’s Randy Bintang, a sublimely talented golfer who shares his last name with the most popular beer in his homeland. At the 2022 Asia-Pacific Amateur, he shot a 66 that included a championship record-equaling nine birdies.

“This is the biggest amateur tournament [I’ve] ever played, and this is my third here,” Bintang said Thursday. “I’m just starting to play my best. I’m really pleased with my game and the chance to play with the best players in the world.”

Dechen Lhendup of Bhutan plays a tee shot during Round 1 of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at the Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba, Japan – Chris Turvey

While the event excludes the top talent from the U.S. and Europe, there is some star power. Former Arizona State golfer Wenyi Ding—the amateur World No. 4 from China who is line for a DP World Tour card through its Global Amateur Pathway program—was the best player in the 120-strong field. He shot a first-round 67. Ding was among 35 former, current or future U.S. college golfers in the field. The 22 current collegiate golfers range from those at Stanford, Princeton, Purdue to the University of Florida.

Many of those are likely to turn pro. But the golfers who have been unearthed from nations with extremely limited access to golf are the success story of the championship.

There are 40 nations represented this week, from golf-rich countries like Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Korea, to emerging golf markets like Vietnam and Malaysia. Perhaps the most inspiring story comes from Bhutan, a remote country tucked in the eastern Himalayas between China and India. It has mountains higher than 23,000 feet above sea level. Television only came to Bhutan in 1999. There are just four nine-hole courses in the entire country, led by Royal Thimphu Golf Club, which sits at 8,000 feet above sea level. Bhutan golfer Dechen Lhendup made his debut at the Asia-Pacific Amateur on Thursday and, while he shot 91, several competitors saw far greater golf from him during practice rounds. Lhendup has competed in the Bangladesh Amateur Open and the Nepal Amateur Open. He often teaches younger players in golf clinics and will bring his Asia-Pacific experience back to Bhutan.

Quinnton Croker, the reigning Australian Amateur champion, played a practice round with Lhendup. “His game is impressive [especially] if that’s what he’s got to practice [in Bhutan],” Croker said. “I think it’s a very special opportunity for some of those young fellas to really get an eye for what the world is like and what they can achieve.”

Enrique Dimayuga, of the Philippines, a college golfer at Southern Methodist, said: “For [players from remote countries], I think it’s awesome opportunity and one day, hopefully, they can be like a trailblazer for more people to follow.”

Augusta National chairman, Fred Ridley, and R&A chief executive, Martin Slumbers, were at the Taiheiyo Club on Thursday as part of their host duties.

“This predates Martin and me, to my predecessor Billy Payne,” Ridley said. “[He] brought the Olympic Games to Atlanta in 1996 and had a real-world view of sport. It was his idea, collaborating with the R&A, to start this championship. While it might have been somewhat of an unconventional idea at the time, I think it’s proven to pay a lot of dividends.”

Main Image: Graham Uden

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The winner of the individual Strokeplay event receives an invitation to the 2025 Masters and 2025 The Open Championship.

Bahrain
Khalifa Almaraisi: Age 33

Almaraisi is making his third Championship start. Earlier in 2024, he won a World Amateur Golf Ranking event in Bahrain and finished fourth in the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship in Qatar and ninth in both the Oman Amateur Open and the Jordan Open. He also competed in the DP World Tour’s Bahrain Championship in January. Almaraisi has represented Bahrain in numerous competitions, including the Eisenhower Trophy and the Pan Arab Championship.

Mohamed Diab Alnoaimi: Age 39

Alnoaimi is making his sixth Championship start. He has competed in the Asia-Pacific Amateur in China, Australia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier in 2024, he finished runner-up in a World Amateur Golf Ranking event in the United Arab Emirates, sixth in the Oman Amateur Open, seventh in the Qatar Open and 12th in the Jordan Open. Alnoaimi won the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship in Oman in 2019 and represented Bahrain in the Eisenhower Trophy in Turkey in 2012.

Iran
Sajjad Karam Pour Barjouei: Age 38

Karam Pour Barjouei is making his third Championship start. He competed in the Asia-Pacific Amateur in 2013 at Nanshan International Golf Club in China and 2023 at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia.

Iraq
Zaidoon Zakaria: Age 34

Zakaria is making his first Championship start. Three golfers representing Iraq have competed in the Asia-Pacific Amateur: Amer Radee (2018, 2021, 2022), Namir Idris Daoud (2019, 2021) and Tarik Al-Aloosy (2023).

Jordan
Salem Alabdallat: Age 12

Arab Golf Federation

Alabdallat is making his first Championship start. In 2024, he has won three World Amateur Golf Ranking events in Jordan and competed in the Junior Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. In February, he won the Jordan Junior Academy Trophy to earn his first world ranking points. In 2022, he finished third in the Boys 10 division of the British Kids Championship in England. Representing Jordan in the Pan Arab Golf Championships, he was a member of the winning U13 team in 2022 in Tunisia and was the U13 individual bronze medalist in 2023 in Saudi Arabia.

Mohammad Alrawashdeh: Age 14

Alrawashdeh is making his first Championship start. In 2024, he has six wins and 11 top-three finishes in World Amateur Golf Ranking events. Has won six events in Jordan, finished runner-up in the Egyptian Junior Open and finished T-19 in the R&A Junior Open in Scotland. Earned his first World Amateur Golf Ranking points in 2023 with a win in the Amman Open in Jordan. In 2022, he won Boys U13 individual and team titles in the Pan Arab Golf Championships in Tunisia.

Hashem Shana’ah: Age 14

Shana’ah is making his first Championship start. His older brother, Mousa, competed in the Asia-Pacific Amateur in 2022 in Thailand and in 2023 in Australia. In 2024, Hashem has won four World Amateur Golf Ranking events in the United Arab Emirates and has earned his first ranking points. In an interview last year with AACGolf.com, Mousa talked about how golf is growing in Jordan and mentioned how his younger brother was getting into the game.

Mousa Shana’ah: Age 17

Shana’ah is making his third Championship start. In 2024, he has won 12 World Amateur Golf Ranking events with victories in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. He also competed in the U.S. Junior Amateur earlier this year. His 2023 included winning four World Amateur Golf Ranking events, recording top-10 finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and representing Jordan in the Asian Games in China. He has been active on social media from a young age and has said that he wants to show the world what he is capable of.

Lebanon
Rachid Akl: Age 66

Akl is making his ninth Championship start. Has competed in the Asia-Pacific Amateur in Singapore, Thailand, China, Australia, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier in 2024, he won a World Amateur Golf Ranking event in Jordan and finished 19th in both the Jordan Open and Cyprus Amateur Open. In 2022 at the age of 64, he represented Lebanon in the Eisenhower Trophy in France. Has also represented Lebanon multiple times in the Asian Games.

Geoffrey Laklak: Age 16

Laklak is making his first Championship start. Twelve golfers representing Lebanon have competed in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. In July, he competed in the Boys 15-18 division in the Junior World Championships in San Diego.

Oman
Azzan Al Rumhy: Age 40

Al Rumhy is making his 10th Championship start. He has competed in the Asia-Pacific Amateur in Australia, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, China, United Arab Emirates and Thailand. Earlier in 2024, he recorded top-five finishes in four World Amateur Golf Ranking events in Oman and competed in an Asian Tour event in Oman. In 2023, he finished T-5 in the Jordan Open and seventh in the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship in Bahrain.

Ahmed Al Wahaibi: Age 19

Al Wahaibi is making his second Championship start. Competed in the 2021 Asia-Pacific Amateur at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 16. Earlier this year, he won a World Amateur Golf Ranking event in Oman and competed in an Asian Tour event in Oman. In 2023, he won individual and team silver medals in the Gulf Cooperation Council Junior Championship in Bahrain.

Qatar
Ali Abdulla Al Shahrani: Age 30

Al Shahrani is making his sixth Championship start. Earlier in 2024, he finished third in the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship in Qatar and 23rd in the Cyprus Amateur Open. In 2023, he had five top-20 finishes in World Amateur Golf Ranking events, including third in the Jordan Open and 11th in the Qatar Amateur Open. Has represented Qatar multiple times in both the Eisenhower Trophy and the Asian Games.

Saleh Alkaabi: Age 30

Alkaabi is making his 11th Championship start. He has competed in the Asia-Pacific Amateur in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, China and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier in 2024, he finished runner-up in the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship in Qatar, fifth in the Cyprus Amateur Open and sixth in the Jordan Open. Alkaabi also won the individual title in the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship in 2022 in the United Arab Emirates and in 2023 in Bahrain. He has represented Qatar in the Eisenhower Trophy and the Asian Games.

Saudi Arabia
Ali Alsakha: Age 32

Alsakha is making his second Championship start. He competed in the 2019 Asia-Pacific Amateur at Sheshan International Golf Club in China. Earlier in 2024, he won a World Amateur Golf Ranking event in Saudi Arabia, recorded top-four finishes in events in Oman and Jordan and competed in an Asian Tour event in Saudi Arabia. Has represented Saudi Arabia in both the Eisenhower Trophy and the Asian Games.

Khalid Attieh: Age 29

Attieh is making his fifth Championship start. Earlier in 2024, he won the individual title in both the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship in Qatar and the Abu Dhabi Golf Club Men’s Open in the United Arab Emirates, finished runner-up in the Jordan Open and made the cut in an Asian Tour event in Oman. In consecutive weeks in October 2023, he won both the Jordan Open and the Bahrain Amateur Open just before heading to Australia for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

United Arab Emirates
Rayan Ahmed: Age 17

Ahmed is making his first Championship start. Earlier in 2024, he won both individual and team titles in the Gulf Cooperation Council Under-18 Championship in Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council Youth Games in Abu Dhabi. He also traveled to the United States where he competed in the Junior World Championships, U.S. Junior Amateur, Junior PGA Championship and U.S. Amateur.

Abdulla Kalbat: Age 17

Kalbat is making his first Championship start. In March, he won a junior event in the United Arab Emirates to earn his first world ranking points, and has 15 top-five finishes in World Amateur Golf Ranking events. In December 2023 in Oman, he was a member of the winning Boys 16 and Under team in the Gulf Cooperation Council Golf Championships.

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According to new research undertaken for the governing body, there are now 42.7 million on-course golfers (9 and 18-hole) in R&A affiliated markets (outside the USA and Mexico).

The research figures for 2023 indicate a growth of 3.1 million on-course golfers since 2022. The growth trend began before the onset of Covid-19 and is now accelerating faster than the 2020-2022 pandemic period when there was an average of 2.5 million new on-course golfers per annum. The sport continues to increase in popularity, now up 44% from 29.6 million on-course players in 2016.

The new data is provided by national federations in The R&A’s affiliated markets in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania.

The research also shows that 62.3 million adults (outside the USA and Mexico) consume the sport in some format, an increase of 1.1 million since 2022. It is just the second time an estimate has been made beyond on-course activity to include alternative-only formats, such as pitch & putt, indoor simulator golf and driving range use.

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “Golf’s popularity continues to grow with a significant increase in the number of people playing the sport both on and off the course.

“There are now 13 million more golfers playing on the course since 2016 in R&A affiliated markets, while there are also millions of others enjoying alternative formats of golf, such as driving ranges, adventure golf and simulator golf, which are vital to the growth of the sport.

“New golfer participation programmes with appealing propositions, promotion and imagery are important for encouraging more people into the sport and retaining them in greater numbers. This is why we continue to work collaboratively with our affiliated national federations and stakeholders to build on this momentum and ensure golf continues to thrive.”

Yuto Katsuragawa – ISPS Handa Championship – Getty Images

The top five on-course adult golfer markets overall reported are in: Japan (11.4 million), Republic of Korea (8.7 million), Canada (6.3 million), England (4.2 million) and Germany (2.4 million).

Asia is the leading region for people engaging with golf among R&A affiliated regions, with total adult engagement in golf of 26.2 million. Europe is next highest with 19.7 million adults having some form of golf engagement.

The number of adult registered golfers (those members of a golf club within their national association or affiliated through a direct subscription) increased from 8 million in 2022 to 8.2 million in 2023, with an overall growth of 10% since 2020. Registered women golfers have grown from 1.5 million in 2020 to 1.6 million in 2023.

There was a decrease in those adults who only played formats other than 9 or 18-hole golf  – 21.6 million in 2022 to 19.6 million in 2023 – but this is likely to positively reflect on those moving instead to full-length on-course golf. The percentage of golfers only using alternative formats that are women did grow from 47% in 2022 to 52% in 2023, specifically in key golfing markets.

The R&A is continuing its commitment to invest £200 million over ten years (2017-2026) in developing golf, including sustained work to encourage participation through various initiatives.

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Ryan, your win in Ras Al Khaimah in 2022 was at the time, your biggest win outside of Australasia. How significant was that win at Al Hamra for you back then?

It was a really big win for me.

I’d had a tough run through Covid in 2020/21 and had a chunk of time off at the end of 2021. After a slow start in Abu Dhabi and Dubai I was a looking forward to heading back to Ras Al Khaimah.

I remembered playing well there on Challenge Tour and I liked the course. We were then there for two weeks during Covid, the first week I tweaked my back and missed the cut, but it was sorted for the second week and played great all week.

It was certainly an uncomfortable Sunday as I started with a huge lead and that all but disappeared early on Sunday, but I was really pleased with how I fought back through the middle of the round and I closed with a more flattering winning margin than it felt like out there.

To win so early in the season was great for the confidence and took the pressure off for a while and It really set me up for what happened the rest of 2022 and 23.

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Keeping it in the Middle East, you partnered with the Arena Group last year, how special is it to have been associated with them especially with the relationship they have with golf tournaments here?

It’s been great to be partnered with a company like Arena. They are an amazing bunch of people to be involved with and obviously their business is huge in the world of golf, and in the Middle East.

It all actually started in the Middle East from a Q&A visit to one of their chalets during the Dubai Desert Classic and it’s been a great partnership ever since.

2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic

From my point of view having an understanding of what Arena Group does especially in the golf space has really opened my eyes to what work goes on behind the scenes at tournaments.

As players we tend to take for granted all the temporary structures (Grandstands, Hospitality Etc.) as they are just part of an event, but I’ve really enjoyed learning a bit about how it all comes together and how much work goes on in a very short space of time to get it all ready for us to play at a venue.

This September you are returning to Wentworth as the defending champ, how special will that be? You became not only the first Kiwi to win the flagship event on the DP World Tour, but it was your first Rolex Series title, and with an added bonus of having your family in tow.

Honestly, it’s still a bit surreal to me what happened last year.

It’s such an iconic event on the DP World Tour and to be able to head back there as DC this year will be an amazing experience. To win my first Rolex Series title was a big one. I’d gone close a couple of times and it was nice to get over the line, especially it being the flagship event for the DP World Tour. It was probably the most unexpected one for me as I had generally never played very well at Wentworth.

To have the family there was pretty special too. Not sure the kids were quite old enough to understand what happened, but we had some pretty cool photos with them and the trophy.

Richard Heathcote

You really brought it home on the back nine with a six-under par 31. What are your overriding memories from that back nine, especially with the calibre of players at the top of the leaderboard?

That back nine is probably the best nine holes I ever played. I honestly thought I’d ruined my tournament after making seven on the third hole and I was just playing for a place after that.

I steadied the ship with a couple of birdies on the front nine and then just got hot on the back. I basically hit every shot exactly where I wanted to hit it, except for the tee shot on the 15th, which still wasn’t bad after a big delay.

I was so calm that whole back nine too and didn’t think about anything else except the golf shots and I really wish I could find that place a bit more.

I didn’t even think about who was on the leaderboard until I saw the leaderboard while waiting for the prize presentation.

I actually surprised myself when I saw the leaderboard and realised I’d beaten a lot of the Ryder Cup team down the stretch.

Would you say that win completely changed your season and the rest of 2023 on the DP World Tour?

Completely. I’d say it changed my career pretty much.

Obviously, it’s such an iconic event with some amazing names on the trophy. But it also locked up my status for a while and locked up a top 10 Race to Dubai Rankings finish and with it a PGA Tour card.

On that, how have you found that transition to the PGA Tour, and the balancing act of managing two tours?

Yeah, it’s been tough. I did a bit of it the year before and I was away a lot leaving the family at home and I missed a lot of things with the kids.

This year we decided to travel round the U.S. with the whole family. We did 20 weeks with the kids and by the end of it my wife and I were almost broken!

We didn’t have a base, and I played a lot which didn’t help but we had some good times too. My wife was a trooper managing to keep everything organised while on tour and the kids handled it pretty well, but we will definitely do it again a little differently next year with a base and hopefully less travel for the family.

David Cannon – Getty Images

You’ve have Jamie Gough as a coach for a few years now. How beneficial has he been over that time? Looking in, there is something that bonds you guys together really well.

Having Goughie on board has been really good the last two and a half years.

We get along really well (and did so before we even worked together) and having someone to keep the swing in check week in week out has been huge for
my consistency.

We have worked consistently on a few things I’ve fought my whole career and that has paid off, and it felt like we never really tried to reinvent the wheel with my swing. It’s unique and I do a few funky things but I also do a lot of good things and I think we have gelled so well right from the start. Meeting Goughie has allowed me to keep my idiosyncrasies, while working subtly on getting things better and more consistent.

You notched your third Olympic Games this summer, would you class yourself as a veteran when it comes to competing in the Olympics? How contrasting have those three different games been?

Not sure I ever thought I would be an Olympian growing up let alone a three-time one. So I guess I am a veteran. I haven’t played overly well at the three I’ve been to, but getting to represent your country is something that I grew up wanting to do, and in golf you don’t get to do it that often. So to do it three times at the Olympics is very special.

They have been three very different games that’s for sure. Rio was a great experience and it was a great honour to make that team from being on the Challenge Tour. Tokyo was a tough week overall, just so many Covid restrictions and we didn’t really get to experience what the Olympics has to offer. Then Paris just now was unbelievable really. The crowds were amazing and the atmosphere on the course I think caught everyone by surprise.

It really felt like golf found its place in the Olympics in Paris and hopefully it only gets bigger.

Is this year’s President’s Cup on your mind, especially after missing out in 2022? Yeah it was a huge goal at the start of this year to get in. I felt like I gave myself a good chance in 2022 but obviously didn’t get a pick.

I don’t feel like I’ve played well enough this year to get a pick unfortunately. I started the qualifying period really well but this year hasn’t been what I would have liked. We will see what happens, but maybe 2026 will be my year.

Finally, a big push for you this season must be to qualify for the final two events on the DP World Tour in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. What does it mean to play in those elevated events at the end of the season?

Yeah, they are two events I’ve always enjoyed playing although my results don’t really show that. I’ve had two goals at the end of the season. First and foremost is to keep my PGA Tour card the second is to qualify for the DP World Tour playoffs at the end of the year.

It’s going to require some tough scheduling decisions and some good play, but I’ve got a bit of a break now so hopefully come back refreshed and in form for the latter part of the season on both tours.

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“As we set our sights on 2025, LIV Golf is gearing up for our most ambitious season start, to date,” said LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “Since our debut in 2022, LIV Golf has played 34 tournaments in nine different countries across four continents. We are a global league with a global footprint, and we’re excited to kick off next season with four truly international events that will deliver our unique blend of elite golf, entertainment and culture to fans around the world.”

The League will begin the 2025 season February 6-8 with LIV Golf Riyadh, marking LIV Golf’s debut in Saudi Arabia’s capital city. The 2025 kickoff event will feature LIV Golf’s star-studded field competing at Riyadh Golf Club, host to events including the Aramco Team Series, the Saudi Open presented by the PIF, and the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers in December.

On February 14-16, LIV Golf will return to The Grange Golf Club for LIV Golf Adelaide, reigning winner of the World’s Best Golf Event at the World Golf Awards. This past April, the tournament welcomed more than 94,000 fans to the South Australia venue which reset the bar for LIV Golf fandom across the three days. The event saw the return of the popular Watering Hole on the par-3 No. 12, had a standout performance by individual champion Brendan Steele, and played host to the League’s first-ever team playoff, won by the all-Australian Ripper GC and captain Cam Smith, in front of the home crowd.

Two weeks after Adelaide, the League will travel to Hong Kong for the second consecutive year of competition at Hong Kong Golf Club for LIV Golf Hong Kong, March 7-9. Annual host to some of the region’s most prestigious golf events for the last 60 years, Hong Kong Golf Club will once again serve a challenging test to many of the sport’s biggest stars, including the tournament’s defending individual champion Abraham Ancer as well as team champions Crushers GC and captain Bryson DeChambeau.

The following week, March 14-16, LIV Golf will return to Sentosa Golf Club for the third consecutive year of LIV Golf Singapore. Set against the leading international sporting destination of Singapore, the event will see reigning individual champion Brooks Koepka as well as team champion Ripper GC attempt to defend their titles on the club’s Serapong course, recently voted the World’s Best Golf Course. The championship venue has received many prestigious accolades in golf and is widely regarded as one of the most sustainable golf clubs in the world.

2025 event tickets will go on sale to the public on the following dates:

• LIV Golf Riyadh – October 23 (hospitality tickets and grounds passes)
• LIV Golf Adelaide – October 3 (hospitality tickets), October 24 (grounds passes)
• LIV Golf Hong Kong – October 9 (hospitality tickets), October 30 (grounds passes)
• LIV Golf Singapore – October 17 (hospitality tickets), November 6 (grounds passes)

Those who have subscribed to LIV X, the LIV Golf loyalty and rewards program, will receive early access to tickets. Further announcements on the remainder of LIV Golf League’s 14-tournament global schedule will be unveiled soon.

LIV Golf’s 2024 regular season concludes next week in Illinois at LIV Golf Chicago, teeing off September 13-15 at Bolingbrook Golf Club. The following week, the 13 teams travel to Texas for the season-ending LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship, September 20-22 at Maridoe Golf Club.

The post LIV Golf to kick off 2025 schedule with global events across Asia, Australia and the Middle East appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The resort will include a championship golf course, high-end residential buildings, a five-star hotel and a resort club.

The announcement of Iraq’s newest golf resort follows a meeting between Hi Excellency the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mohammed Shia Al Sudani and His Excellency Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Eagle Hills.

His Excellency Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Eagle Hills

Reflecting on the venture, Alabbar commented, “Baghdad is a city with an illustrious past and a vibrant culture.

“With the Baghdad Golf Course and Spa, we aim to honour this legacy while introducing a modern, luxurious living experience for its inhabitants and visitors.”

He further highlighted that the development celebrates Baghdad’s continuing spirit and future potential.

Some of Alabbar’s most notable achievements include:

• Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world with 205 floors.
• Downtown Dubai, with over 1,800 retail stores, 35,000 homes & a population of 90,000 residents.
• Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai is the most visited location destination with over 100 million visitors a year worldwide.
• Over 70 Hotels & Resorts chains in the UAE and internationally (ST Regis, Mandarin Oriental, Fairmont, Address, The Bristol, Bluesun, Palace, Locanda, Armani, W Hotel, VIDA, ROVE & Emaar Leisure Group).

DP World last year launched the first direct freight service between the UAE and Iraq to speed up the flow of goods between the two countries even though no construction timelines have been given.

There is currently only one other golf course in the whole of Iraq, Erbil Hills. The Cynthia Dye McGarey-designed course is located in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and is already confirmed to play host to the 2025 Pan Arab Golf Championship.

Images: Eagle Hills

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