That commitment was reflected clearly this past season, with over 20 Arab players earning spots in the 2025 Saudi Open, a US$1 million event on the Asian Tour, offering them valuable experience at a world-class level.

2025 Saudi Amateur Open

The progress on display began well before tournament week. The Saudi Amateur Open again showed how Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation are building a complete structure that gives emerging players the opportunities they need.

The event sits within the Arab Golf Series, sanctioned by the Arab Golf Federation, and awards official regional ranking points. Those points carry real weight as they raise a player’s standing and strengthen their chances of qualifying for stronger fields across the region and beyond.

Othman Almulla – Saudi Open

The 2025 Saudi Open highlighted the speed at which the sport is evolving in the Arab world and Saudi Arabia’s influence as a host of international golf.

This year’s field brought together standout players from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, joined by a strong Saudi lineup that included professionals Othman Almulla, Saud Al Sharif, Faisal Salhab, Khalid Attieh and Shergo Al Kurdi.

A promising group of Saudi amateurs also competed, highlighting the work underway and reinforcing the wider effort to create an integrated ecosystem that prepares Arab players for the professional stage.

Adam Bresnu – Saudi Open

Al Kurdi and Moroccan amateur Bresnu were amongst five regional competitors to make the cut alongside the UAE’s Joshua Grenville-Wood, Qatar’s Daniil Sokolov and El Mehdi Fakori, also of Morocco.

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The event saw widespread participation from male and female players across the Kingdom and the Arab world, alongside several internationally ranked golfers — underscoring the growing role of local tournaments in advancing the game and serving as a key pathway for talent development from amateur to professional ranks.

This year’s edition reinforced the ongoing efforts of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation to build a comprehensive ecosystem for nurturing emerging talent by offering a competitive platform designed to develop players’ skills and competitive experience. The championship also formed a pivotal stop within the Arab Golf Series, sanctioned by the Arab Golf Federation, granting players official regional ranking points that enhance their standings and increase their chances of progressing to higher-tier tournaments across the region and internationally.

 

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The championship witnessed strong competition across multiple categories. In the junior girls’ division, Palestine’s Yasmeen Thaher claimed the top spot after a consistent performance throughout the tournament. Saudi Arabia’s Lana Al-Misbahy secured second place, followed by Slovakia’s Maja Markovich in third.

 

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In the junior boys’ division, Egypt’s Alaa Eldin Salama delivered an outstanding showing to take first place, while Ireland’s Owen Clancy and Italy’s Francesco Muro rounded out the podium in second and third, respectively.

 

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The women’s division saw a remarkable display of talent, culminating in Tunisia’s Ghazlan Saqi winning the title with a well-balanced performance across all three rounds. Lebanon’s Lara Al-Bakhour placed second, and Scotland’s Emma Tully secured third.

 

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In the premier men’s division, Egypt’s Issa Abou El Ela delivered a dominant performance to clinch the overall title. Qatar’s Saleh Al-Kaabi finished runner-up, with Egypt’s Adam El-Shamy taking third place.

The championship highlighted its growing importance as a strategic platform for player development, with noticeable improvements in performance levels and a deeper understanding of the technical demands required to compete at higher levels. Several standout players from the tournament are now poised to compete in next week’s Saudi Open, presented by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) — a significant step in their transition from local to professional competition.

Wrapping up the championship, the organising committee expressed its appreciation to Dirab Golf Club for hosting the tournament, and extended gratitude to the organising teams, coaches, volunteers, and parents whose support was instrumental in the success and player development witnessed during the event.

Through its current edition, the Saudi Amateur Open has reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone in the Kingdom’s talent development pipeline, helping uncover new players capable of representing Saudi Arabia and the wider region at elite international events in the near future.

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The final day witnessed the crowning of champions in both the individual and team categories, in the presence of senior representatives of Arab golf federations.

Morocco’s Youssef Al-Halli claimed the Men’s Individual title after an outstanding performance throughout the championship days, reaffirming the strength and consistency of Moroccan golf on the Arab stage.

With this victory, Al-Halli earned automatic qualification to compete in the PIF Saudi International, which will be held next week at Riyadh Golf Club, featuring some of the world’s top players. The event will run as part of the WOW Festival – Golf, Cars, and Music, listed on the Riyadh Season 2025 calendar.

Finishing second was Egypt’s Issa Abou El-Ala, while Reda Al-Halli of Morocco secured third place.

2025 Pan Arab Championship Team Medal Winners

In the Men’s Team category, Morocco finished in first place, followed by Egypt in second, and the United Arab Emirates in third.

In the Seniors Individual category, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Saud Al-Faisal captured the title after a solid and consistent performance, adding another milestone for Saudi golf in a highly competitive field featuring top Arab senior players.

Bahrain’s Hamad Mubarak Afanan finished second, while Suleiman Barada from Morocco placed third.

In the Seniors Team division, Bahrain secured first place, followed by Lebanon in second, and Morocco in third.

The awards ceremony was attended by:

• Mr. Othman Al-Badr, Executive Vice President – Retail Banking at Arab National Bank, the official sponsor of the championship

• Mr. Noah Al-Reza, CEO of the Saudi Golf Federation

• Representatives of the Arab Golf Federation, who joined in presenting the trophies to the winners

Arab delegations expressed deep appreciation for the exceptional organisation and warm hospitality provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Golf Federation. They also praised the efforts of His Excellency Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan in advancing Arab golf, particularly following the renewal of confidence in his presidency of the Arab Golf Federation until 2029, during the General Assembly meeting held alongside the championship.

The Arab and Saudi Golf Federations extended their sincere thanks and appreciation to Arab National Bank for its generous sponsorship, emphasising that this partnership was instrumental in the success of this year’s edition.

The ceremony concluded with a group photo featuring the champions and heads of delegations, in an atmosphere filled with pride and unity—celebrating a championship that embodied the authentic Arab sporting spirit and reaffirmed the growing prominence of Arab golf regionally and internationally.

Championship Results

Men’s Individual

• 1st Place: Youssef Al-Halli (Morocco)

• 2nd Place: Issa Abou El-Ala (Egypt)

• 3rd Place: Reda Al-Halli (Morocco)

Men’s Team

• 1st Place: Morocco

• 2nd Place: Egypt

• 3rd Place: United Arab Emirates

Seniors Individual

• 1st Place: HRH Prince Khalid bin Saud Al-Faisal (Saudi Arabia)

• 2nd Place: Hamad Mubarak Afanan (Bahrain)

• 3rd Place: Suleiman Barada (Morocco)

Seniors Team

• 1st Place: Bahrain

• 2nd Place: Lebanon

• 3rd Place: Morocco

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The new identity represents a unifying step forward for golf in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Federation’s ambition to unite and elevate the sport under a cohesive, modern brand that will resonate with players, fans, and partners.

At the heart of the rebrand is a bold new logo designed to reflect strength, unity, and ambition — anchoring SGF’s vision for the future of golf in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a powerful emblem of national golfing pride and the growing stature of the sport in the Kingdom.

The rebranding initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at expanding participation in the sport and inspiring the next generation of Saudi golfers to achieve excellence in regional and global competitions. It also underscores SGF’s role as the central body connecting Saudi Arabia’s golf ecosystem, helping to create a shared purpose and drive progress for all organisations involved in growing the sport — from grassroots to elite levels.

In recent weeks, the Saudi national golf team — including women and junior players — participated in an intensive training camp as part of SGF’s commitment to nurturing local talent and preparing athletes for upcoming championships. The camp focused on enhancing technical skills, improving physical fitness, and elevating performance through specialised sessions led by top international golf experts.

His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation, stated:

“At this important stage, we believe that our future success depends on having a clear and structured plan that enables us to accelerate the development of golf in the Kingdom. With our new visual identity, we are entering a new phase guided by a unified vision built on three main pillars: establishing a strong base for participation, organising and steering the golf ecosystem, and developing national platforms. These pillars reflect our ambition to empower the game of golf within the Kingdom and help us build a dynamic system that nurtures the sport from its roots — ultimately leading to the creation of future national champions.”

Noah Alireza, Executive Manager of the Saudi Golf Federation, added:

“Building on the clear and ambitious direction, the refreshed Saudi Golf Federation strategy views golf as a sport as well as an economic value chain driven by collaboration across all sectors. We aim to activate this through clear frameworks and initiatives that reinforce every element of the golfing ecosystem. Our refreshed identity embodies a clear direction and a commitment to execute on the strategy with excellence, inclusion, and long-term sustainability – not just to shape world-class golf landscape, but to cultivate a thriving community, inspire future generations, and position Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination for golf. This is a pivotal moment for golf in Saudi Arabia, and we are honoured and privileged to be playing a part in shaping its future”.

The new brand identity includes a complete digital transformation, featuring updates across SGF’s official website, social media platforms, and promotional materials.

The Saudi Golf Federation remains dedicated to expanding the sport’s reach, elevating competitive standards, and supporting both emerging and professional players. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Kingdom’s sports sector and achieve international success across various disciplines.

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The two-time LPGA Tour and four-time LET winner arrives in London in strong form, having recorded two top-15 finishes in Majors and a standout fourth-place result at the 2025 KPMG Women’s Irish Open.

2024 Aramco Team Series Riyadh – Charley Hull

Her last success came at the Aramco Team Series – Riyadh at the end of 2024, where she delivered a final-round masterclass to claim a three-shot victory on 18-under-par. Hull surged into the lead with five birdies in her opening seven holes and remained in control throughout the back nine to close with a superb 66 (-6) at Riyadh Golf Club. Currently ranked 19th in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, the Solheim Cup star continues to underline her status as one of the game’s leading players.

Speaking ahead of the event, Hull said: “Competing on home soil always brings an extra level of motivation, and playing in front of UK fans at Centurion will be a real highlight. The PIF Global Series is making a meaningful impact on the women’s game, and with such a strong field confirmed for London, it promises to be a great week.”

Mimi Rhodes – LET – 2025 Dutch Open

She joins an impressive line-up of confirmed players for the event, including fellow English counterparts Mimi Rhodes, the current LET Order of Merit leader, Cara Gainer, a winner earlier this year in Morocco, and rising star Annabell Fuller.

Sara Kouskova of the Czech Republic, a double winner this season with titles at the Tenerife Women’s Open and Jabra Ladies Open, will be in the field alongside Singapore’s Shannon Tan, who triumphed at the Amundi German Masters last month. They’ll be joined by Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini, a three-time winner during the 2024 season thanks to victories at the Joburg Ladies Open, Lacoste Ladies Open de France and the Wistron Ladies Open.

With Charley Hull now confirmed in the field, fans have an unmissable chance to see one of the United Kingdom’s top stars in action. In a welcome move to make the event even more family-friendly, children under 16 can attend for free with a paying adult. Supporting the future of the game, 100% of ticket revenue from the PIF London Championship will be reinvested into grassroots golf initiatives across England.

The PIF London Championship forms part of the newly launched PIF Global Series – a forward-thinking initiative designed to accelerate the growth of women’s golf worldwide. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the series aims to strengthen the women’s professional game by delivering world-class events, increasing playing opportunities, and showcasing talent across key international markets.

Organised by Golf Saudi, the PIF London Championship reflects the Saudi Golf Federation’s wider commitment to developing the women’s game and providing a platform for athletes to compete at the highest level. With Golf Saudi’s leadership as a strategic partner, the event has quickly established itself as a key stop on the global calendar, helping to elevate the profile of women’s golf and drive the sport’s continued evolution.

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The 30-year-old, who recently completed his ascent to play at the professional level, took a moment to reflect, not only on his own rise in the game, but at the speed of golf’s growth within Saudi Arabia, driven largely by Golf Saudi.

Last year was a record 12 months for Golf Saudi, who hosted eight elite golf events at home and abroad – including the returning $5million PIF Saudi Ladies International, which offers the biggest prize fund on the Ladies European Tour outside of Major events. A vast number of on-ground initiatives have also seen the number of golfers in Saudi Arabia reaching record numbers.

Golf Saudi Ambassador and Saudi Arabian professional golfer Khaled Attieh

“I take great pride in being one of the early adopters of golf in the country,” commented Khaled. “Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the significant developments in the sport here, both in terms of infrastructure and the growing number of players.

“Thanks to the dedicated work of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, the game is evolving rapidly, building a solid foundation for its future. Golf has truly transformed my life, and I believe it will do the same for many others, especially as the sport continues to gain more fans and followers globally.”

Speaking about the headline tournaments held at Riyadh Golf Club: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi for their continuous efforts in hosting these world-class tournaments, providing Saudi players with the opportunity to compete and represent the Kingdom at such a prestigious level.

“Events like these are also a fantastic opportunity for young and aspiring golfers to witness elite competition up close, learn from some of the world’s top golf stars, and be inspired to pursue the sport.”

Saudi golfers Othman Almulla, Shergo Kurdi, and Faisal Salhab take centre stage at the PIF Saudi International press conference

Attieh’s ascent in the golfing world has been driven by significant milestones. In March 2024, he clinched the Senior Individual title at the GCC Golf Championship in Doha, Qatar, denying the host nation’s Saleh Al Kaabi a hat-trick of victories.

Earlier last year, he made history by becoming the first Saudi amateur to make the cut in a professional tournament during the Asian Tour’s International Series Oman – showcasing Saudi golfing ability on a truly global stage and highlighting the crucial role of international competitions in providing exposure to emerging golfers.

Golf Saudi’s mission to develop the game has been instrumental in Attieh’s rise. Through elite player development programs, grassroots initiatives, and the hosting of top-tier international tournaments, the organisation is creating a lasting legacy for golf in the Kingdom.

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Representing the Men’s Team will be Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rayan Ahmed. Playing for the Youth – 18 & Under Team are Abdulla Kalbat, Mohammed Thabet, and Abdulla Salmeen.

Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Played at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, this year’s GCC Golf Championship is the 16th edition of the Youth Championship and the 27th edition of the Men’s Championship. Royal Greens is an 18-hole Championship golf course that has hosted events for the DP World Tour, LIV Golf, Asian Tour, and Ladies European Tour.

The Men’s Championship will be played over four rounds, with the top three scores from the team contributing per round. The Youth competition will be played over three rounds, with the top two scores per round contributing to the teams’ overall results.

Travelling with the teams will be Emirates Golf Federation Secretary General Khalis Mubarak Al Shamsi and National Team Head Coach Faycal Serghini.

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20 UAE players covering five different teams (Ladies, Men’s, 18 & Under, 15 & Under, and 13 & Under) will join forces with the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, Golf Saudi’s Saudi Golf Federation, Lebanon Golf Federation, and Kuwait Golf Federation for a training camp focused on competition, high-performance development, testing, and team building.

Saudi Golf Federation

Since the 2022 Arab alliance partnership between the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, the federations have hosted yearly training camps at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam Golf Club.

Players will be able to take full advantage of the club’s state-of-the-art driving range, short game, and practice facilities, and two 18-hole championship courses that are rated one of the best in the region.

The EGF has sent the UAE National Team coaches and additional high-level biomechanics and fitness performance coaches from South Africa and Great Britain to focus on player development and competition. These coaches will test and measure all aspects of the players game while creating a competitive interclub atmosphere between the federations.

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam

“We are pushing the best out of our players and coaches, said General Abdallah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation. Over the next three weeks, we will put our team to the test, and we will see how our players match up with other programs in the Arab Golf Federation. The Moroccan players have always led the way in being the top performers in Arab golf. By having this opportunity to train and compete against our brothers and sisters we will not only create a fun competitive atmosphere but also, we will find out the areas that we need to improve on as coaches and players. I want to thank the Moroccan Golf Federation which has welcomed the EGF with open arms.”

In addition to General Alhashmi, EGF officials Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General and Akram Skaik, Director General will be attending the training camp.

“In the past 18 months, we have seen some major strides with our high-performance program, and we continue to see progress with our results. We have more ranked players and that is our strategy to reach our goal. Through our camps, training programs, and participation in international tournaments across Asia and Europe the 2024-2025 season will be exciting, General Alhashmi added.

Following the camp the UAE team will have several local and international events that the players will be competing in, including the Asian Amateur Championship, the Arab Golf Championships, and the GCC Golf Championships.

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Over 100 competitors from 12 countries will be taking part across five categories; Under 15 Girls, Ladies, Under 13 Boys, Under 15 Boys and Under 18 Boys.

Golfers from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia and the UAE will join the hosts Saudi Arabia in an event which marks a significant moment in the global golfing calendar as it it furthermore showcases the expanding talent there is in golf across the Arab world.

Over 100 competitors from 12 Arab countries – Saudi Golf Federation

The stats don’t lie, junior and ladies golf in the region is growing, as handicaps in all categories have seen a significant drop, indicating the rise in skill level across the board.

With the Saudi Golf Federation (SGF) hosting this prestigious event under the umbrella of the Arab Golf Federation (AGF) it is the SGF’s commitment to promote golf in the region as illustrated in its detailed preparation of proudly hosting the championship.

Last day of practice at Riyadh Golf Club – Saudi Golf Federation

The opening ceremony is scheduled for today, with the tournament then spanning across the three following days on the 28^th – 30^th November for all categories, with the exception of the Under 13 Boys who will play 36 holes.

This championship is more than a tournament; it’s a testament to the growing love for golf in the Arab world and a beacon of inspiration for future generations of golfers.

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In a quest to make Saudi Arabia a leading nation in the sport, Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation (SGF) are embarking on an innovative journey. This key move in the nation’s golfing landscape is spearheading multiple initiatives under its Mass Participation Mission, introducing, educating and entertaining both the young and old through an array of programmes. These encompass not only charity and corporate events but also extend to educational collaborations with schools and universities as well as partnerships with Saudi Pro League football clubs, the Ministry of Defence and other governmental entities as well as overseas activations at Golf Saudi-partnered tournaments such as the Ladies European Tour’s Aramco Team Series. 

An integral part of this vision is the ground-breaking school programme. Golf Saudi and the SGF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Sport Federation, have developed a unique ‘Train the Trainer’ model, with participation from 208 schools across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. This programme aims to equip physical education teachers with the necessary skills to teach and train students in golf, leading to a verified physical and digital certification. 

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

The ‘Train the Trainer’ programme goes beyond just teaching the game. It is structured to enable educators to effectively impart the art, etiquette and skills of golf to their students. This initiative has already been successful in regions such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province, Hail, Al Qassim, Aljawuf, and Neom. Notable participating schools include Tadrees, MISK Schools, Dar Al Barah, Al Olaya, Al Rowad, Tarbiyah Namouthajiyah and Waad Academy.

To ensure safety and enjoyment, the Mass Participation department has provided unique SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment to each school involved. This child-friendly kit sparks interest by making the game fun and accessible for beginners.

Complementing in-school programmes, they host children from various local and international schools at partner professional tournaments. These events — the PIF Saudi International, Aramco Saudi Ladies International, Saudi Open and LIV Golf’s Jeddah competition — offer a unique opportunity for children to play golf in fan villages, leading to more than 15,000 children experiencing golf for the first time.

Looking ahead, Golf Saudi plans to roll out the ‘Class to Grass’ initiative. This move promotes a transition from using SNAG equipment to real golf equipment, backed by inter-school competitions that foster healthy competition and camaraderie. The Ministry of Education collaborates in providing invaluable support for after-school programmes, further enhancing engagement and facilitating educational development for children.

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

The Mass Participation department’s efforts are more than just teaching golf. They aim to instil an appreciation for the sport and the values it represents — discipline, focus, patience and respect. This approach invests in Saudi Arabia’s future, nurturing a generation of not just golf enthusiasts but potential champions.

As the momentum grows, the achievements of Golf Saudi and the SGF in 2022/23 have laid a solid foundation for future development. Their roadmap aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious national strategy for sustainable growth. As they develop an innovative culture concerned with environmental protection, economic development and social activation aim to increase sports participation and enhance golf’s global presence.

The Mass Participation Department plays a fundamental role within Golf Saudi, coordinating the operations of most of its departments. This department is often the first point of contact for clients and corporates. Depending on the client’s needs, the Mass Participation Department connects them with the relevant department. This systematic and structured approach optimises the client experience and ensures efficient operations within Golf Saudi.

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