Played on the club’s championship layout, the competition followed the traditional Waltz scoring format, with one score to count on the first hole, two scores on the second, three scores on the third, before the pattern repeated from hole four onwards. 

Claiming top spot with an impressive 89 points was the winning team of Martha Wong, Maura Duggan, Naima Maya and Rekha Bandopadhyay. The team produced a superb all-round performance, combining steady scoring with some standout moments across both nines. Their front nine featured two gross birdies alongside seven net birdies. They continued to build momentum coming home, adding a further nine net birdies on the back nine to cap off a commanding display and secure victory in style.

Finishing in runner-up position with 84 points was the team of Maria Dunkel, Yana Jamieson, Elvira Khaliullina and Victoria Anikina. Their challenge was built on a strong opening nine, where the team combined for nine net birdies to keep themselves firmly in contention. They then made a fast start to the back nine, highlighted by net eagles on the tenth hole from both Elvira and Victoria. With momentum firmly on their side, the team went on to add ten more net birdies over the closing stretch, rounding off an excellent team effort and a well-earned podium finish.

A close third place on 83 points went to Lady Captain Sonal Gandhi, Avani Shah, Aparna Mishra and Bhavna Jain, who also delivered an excellent performance from start to finish. The team recorded three net birdies on the front nine, with Sonal adding an early highlight through a net eagle on the second hole. They maintained their strong scoring pace on the front nine, carding nine net birdies across the back nine, while Avani contributed two further net eagles on holes thirteen and fifteen.

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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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Set against the picturesque backdrop of one of Dubai’s popular golf venues, the event underscored Dubai Duty Free’s continued commitment to supporting the Emirates Golf Federation and fostering excellence in golf across the UAE. Participants enjoyed a thoughtfully designed programme featuring a Texas Scramble format, premium hospitality, and vibrant social engagement – reflecting the brand’s signature blend of luxury and community spirit. 

The event attracted a diverse array of VIP guests and golfers within the United Arab Emirates, creating an ideal setting for connection and collaboration in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. 

The team of Hamdan Bin Desmal, Khalfan Al Mansoori, Hamad Al Shamsi and Rayyan Al Maazmi, emerged as overall champions, delivering an outstanding score of 22 under par Net 50.

Securing second place was the team of Khalid Al Qubaisi, Aliya Al Qubaisi and Shamma Al Hosani, with a commendable score of 19 under par Net 53. Third place was claimed by Sultan Al Ali and Omar Al Shamsi, who finished with a score of 17 under par Net 55.

The prize presentation was made by Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi, along with Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing and Zayed Al Shebli, Senior Vice President – Asset Protection, who were joined by Akram Skaik, Director General of the Emirates Golf Federation. Each winner received trophies and Dubai Duty Free gift cards.

Commenting on the 31st running of the UAE Nationals Cup, Ramesh Cidambi said: “We are delighted to host this tournament once more and are very pleased that we are marking its 31st year. We are focused on raising the profile of this event amongst the Emirati golfing community and would like to grow this event year on year.” 

Special on-course prizes were also presented. Omar Al Shamsi won Nearest the Pin – Men (Hole 7), while Reema Al Heloo claimed Nearest the Pin – Ladies (Hole 2). Rayyan Al Maazmi secured Longest Drive – Men (Hole 14), and Aliya Al Qubaisi won Longest Drive – Ladies (Hole 16).

Attendees were provided with exceptional service, catering, and a lively ambience that epitomised Dubai Duty Free’s reputation for delivering world-class experiences. 

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

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

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

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

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

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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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The DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am Challenge is open to all golfers holding an Official Club Handicap recognised by the Emirates Golf Federation (maximum 28 for men and juniors, and 36 for ladies).

The initiative offers amateur golfers across the country the chance to live out a dream by teeing it up alongside their heroes at Jumeirah Golf Estates at the final Rolex Series event of the season, taking place from November 13-16.

Last year’s winners – Russell Wilson of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Suyeon Ko of Abu Dhabi Golf Club, and Antonio Perez of Yas Links – were among those to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience, rubbing shoulders with the likes of 2025 Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton and Shane Lowry – all part of the victorious 2025 European Ryder Cup team.

Participants can register for the remaining six qualifiers, with two already completed, taking place across golf clubs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. The leading male, female, and junior player at each venue will secure a place in the Grand Final at Jumeirah Golf Estates on October 25th.

“We’re thrilled to see the 2025 DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am Challenge already underway, with golf clubs across the UAE hosting some fantastic qualifying events. This series continues to give amateur golfers a unique chance to share the fairways with some of the game’s biggest names,” said Freddie Schmeisser, Head of Championships & Business Development Director – Middle East, DP World Tour.

“Opportunities like this bring the game closer to fans, creating experiences they’ll never forget. We’re grateful to the participating golf clubs and the Emirates Golf Federation for their ongoing support in making this initiative such a success. To all aspiring amateurs – there’s still time to get involved and be part of an unforgettable week of golf.”

For more information or to register interest in taking part in the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am Challenge, please contact your local participating golf club today.

Club Qualifier

• Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club – October 4th
• Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – October 5th
• Jumeirah Golf Estates: Earth course – October 5th
• Abu Dhabi Golf Club – October 11th
• Emirates Golf Club: Majlis Course – October 12th
• Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – October 18th
• Al Hamra Golf Club – TBC

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Taking the spoils and topping the Men’s and Ladies’ Gross divisions respectively were Nick Slater and Aoife Kelly.

Aoife Kelly – Trump International Golf Club Dubai

Galway’s Kelly successfully defended her title from 12 months ago, making it a trio of wins in the Dubai Summer Open. The former teacher once again arrived at the tournament straight from DXB airport after spending the summer back home in Ireland.

In the Net divisions, Jon Gwyn and Lisa Brocklebank claimed their respective titles.

Tournament Results:

Men’s Gross

1st – Nick Slater – 66

2nd – Ethan Grenville Wood – 69

3rd – Ollie Ross – 70

Ladies Gross

1st – Aoife Kelly – 72

2nd – Qianran Boa – 86

Men’s Net

1st – Jon Gwyn – 67 BB9

2nd – Steve Gibson – 67

3rd – Diego Camberos – 68

Ladies Net

1st – Lisa Brocklebank – 69

2nd – Emma Malsher – 72

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Smith fired a superb 68, finishing four-under-par to claim top spot, in a round which featured seven birdies. Garrick Porteous (Trump International) and Tom Ogilvie (Emirates Golf Club) shared the runner-up position, each carding two-under-par 70s. Porteous made four birdies on the back nine, while Ogilvie produced birdies on holes 2, 7, 10, 15, and 18. Louis Gaughan (Dubai Creek) finished fourth on level par, with Jackson Bell (Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates) completing the leaders at two-over-par, though he finished in style with an eagle on the iconic 18th.

The next tournament on the Emirates PGA schedule is at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi on 22nd September.

Emirates Golf Club – DG Lincoln Pro-Am Afzaal Ahmad and Zi Hao Su

Amateurs also had their chance to impress in a team competition alongside the pros. The quartet of Zi Hao Su, Ravi Khanna, Afzaal Ahmad, and Parvez Ahmed combined for a superb 93 points to take the title. Runners-up were Louis Gaughan, Mike Butler, Sarah Butler, and Matthew Eastwood, who finished with 85 points, edging second place on a back nine countback. In third place, also with 85 points, were Stuart Smith, David Simons, and Elvira Khialullina.

Mitsuko Emmerson claimed Nearest the Pin on Hole 7, while Neil Raymond produced the Straightest Drive on Hole 10.

Speaking after the prize presentation, Ian Brennan, Golf Operations Manager at Emirates Golf Club commented, “The Dubai Golf Lincoln Pro Ams are always special fixtures on our calendar, and we are very grateful for the support from Lincoln Al Tayer Motors.

“The Majlis course provides a true test of golf, and it was fantastic to see both professionals and amateurs come together for a day of great competition and camaraderie. Congratulations to all the winners and participants who made the event such a success.”

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Al Hashmi’s new position has been announced, alongside New Zealand’s Philip Hassall, who has been confirmed as the next Chairman of the region’s ruling golfing body.

The duo will assume their posts when Taimur Hassan Amin completes his term in office at the Confederation’s annual general meeting in Dubai in late October.

Major General Al Hashmi has served on the Board of Directors of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation since November 2022. His new role is a reflection of the progress of Arab golf and further strengthens the presence of Arabs in shaping the future of the game at a continental level.

“I’m honoured to be appointed as Vice Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation and look forward to contributing to further elevating the status of golf in the region and the APGC on the global stage,” said General Abdulla.

With more than 45 countries affiliated to the APGC, including the United Arab Emirates, the Confederation’s mission is to strengthen bonds of friendship among member associations and other representative organisations in world golf through friendly competition. It also supports member associations in developing the game within their respective countries, while ensuring adherence to the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status as approved by The R&A.

In conjunction with The R&A, the International Golf Federation and Augusta National Golf Club, the APGC stages a number of amateur championships including the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP), the Queen Sirikit Cup, the Nomura Cup and several other elite amateur events.

Emirates Golf Club Majlis Course

The UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation will host the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course in Dubai from 23–26 October 2025, having previously staged the event in 2021 at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

Created in February 2009, the AAC is a joint initiative between the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, the Masters Tournament and The R&A to grow the game in the region. The winner receives invitations to both the Masters Tournament and The Open, while the runner(s)-up earn a place in The Open Qualifying Series.

The 120-player field each year comprises the leading male amateurs from across the Asia-Pacific region, invited through the 42 APGC member organisations.

Departing Taimur Hassan Amin said: “These are exciting times for Asian golf in general, and for the APGC in particular. I have every confidence that the new Chairman-designate Philip Hassall and Vice Chairman General Abdulla will guide the Confederation with wisdom and vision. Under their leadership. I’m sure the region’s rise in the global golfing world will continue.

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The event itself belonged to Bard Poulsson, who produced a superb round to finish 5 up against the course and take top honours.

Ladies’ Club Captain Marije van Koolwijk secured second place with a steady level finish, while Vice Captain Jo Murray followed in third on -1.

Ryan Morris (centre), Montgomerie Golf Club Captain celebrating his ace.

The moment of the day, however, came courtesy of Men’s Club Captain Ryan Morris, who struck the perfect shot on the par-three 13th to record his first ever hole-in-one — an achievement met with cheers and celebrations across the course.

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