The European Challenge Tour, alongside the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, are gearing up once again in Abu Dhabi, to showcase the best crop of global professional golfers who are trying to get their feet onto the DP World Tour.

The 30-tournament long Road to Mallorca Rankings season, touches down in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in mid-April for back-to-back events in the capital.

Having already travelled to South Africa for their opening 4 events, and more recently India for a doubleheader – the Challenge Tour now has its eyes firmly on Abu Dubai for the Abu Dhabi Challenge followed up by the UAE Challenge.

The second edition of these events highlight the beginning of the 10-year agreement between the DP World Tour, Challenge Tour and the EGF in developing the game in the region.

Last year’s Abu Dhabi Challenge and UAE Challenge each had 30 spots allocated to the EGF to continue to provide a pathway for both Emirati golfers and residents of the UAE, with several members of the UAE National Team being given the opportunity to play against the stars of the golfing world.

UAE National Joshua Grenville-Wood

The standout performance from last year was Joshua Grenville-Wood, a tie for second in the Abu Dhabi Challenge and a tie for 18th the following week, which completely transformed his 2023 season. Accentuating the importance of these events for the country.

“Given the current landscape of golf in the Middle East and across the world it is important to have partners that have the same vision as the EGF,” said His Excellency General Abdullah Al Hashmi, EGF Vice Chairman. “At the EGF we are committed to working with all tours and governing bodies to help shape the future of the sport we love.”

Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation with winner Ricardo Gouveia

12 months ago, the Abu Dhabi Challenge was competed at the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, where Ricardo Gouveia memorably eagled the final hole to win in dramatic fashion after posting a six under par final round of 66. The 32-year-old would go on to graduate onto the DP World Tour at the end of the 2023 season.

But this time around, tournament organisers have opted for a brand-new host venue for
the first of two Challenge Tour events in the UAE in April, with Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club (AESGC) stepping up to the plate (pictured above).

Over the past nine to twelve months, the agronomy team at AESGC have built ten new tee boxes on the desert-style course, to bolster the par 70 track to now over 7100 yards, therefore making it possible to compete with the up-and-coming stars of the DP World Tour.

“Our biggest challenge to date has been the rough,” said Shane Peacock, Director of Golf at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.

“We usually mow it 51mm, the paspalum here in the winter tends to go dormant and doesn’t really grow much during the colder season. The (Challenge) Tour has advised what their ideal height is and I’m very confident of hitting that.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting this tournament in April and showcasing all our hard work. It’s going to be great to have such a strong field in Al Ain.”

Following the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Challenge, the tour will then make its way towards the coast and the picture-perfect Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, for the UAE Challenge.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Designed by Gary Player, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club which overlooks the Arabian Gulf, has sustainability at its forefront as it utilises existing saltwater lakes and beach dunes in its highly-rated design.

The club provides a sanctuary for over 160 bird species, 250+ mountain gazelles and a rejuvenation of native plants. They also play an active role in supporting the efforts of Saadiyat Island’s Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Programme. On the nine-kilometre Saadiyat Beach, several hawksbill turtle nests contain around 90 to 100 eggs.

As well as being situated on the coast, with wind likely to be a factor, the par 72 course has 60 bunkers and is a real test with more than 7,750 yards in front of you (from the tips).

Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation with winner Max Rottluff

At last year’s UAE Challenge, Germany’s Max was the last man in the field for the tournament but still managed to set a new course record of 63 in round two, before going onto finish off the tournament with the winners trophy and by the end of the season, like Gouveia, securing a ticket to the DP World Tour.

Main image: Supplied