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The sun-soaked coastline of Cádiz, Spain, is this week’s backdrop for two of the UAE’s top amateur talents — Ahmad Skaik and Sam Mullane — who are gearing up for a shot at further international experience on the HotelPlanner Tour’s Challenge de Cádiz, now in its fifth edition.
It’s a significant step for both players, who have earned their spots in the field through the Emirates Golf Federation’s strategic partnership with the European Tour group — a move that’s opening real doors for local talent in the United Arab Emirates.
For 22-year-old Sam Mullane, this marks his very first appearance in a professional event on European soil — and he couldn’t be more excited.
“I’ve never played in a professional event in Europe so this is a first for me,” he said. “Huge thanks to the Emirates Golf Federation for getting me in this week, I’m really looking forward to getting underway tomorrow.”
He’s soaking in the local vibes too, praising the laid-back atmosphere in Andalucía and the “perfect” 25-degree weather — a welcome change from the Dubai heat currently. A tight, tree-lined challenge at the Iberostar Real Club de Golf Novo Sancti Petri — a layout with real pedigree, being the first ever design on Spanish soil by legend Severiano Ballesteros.
Iberostar Real Club de Golf Novo Sancti Petri was the first course in Spain to be designed by the great Severiano Ballesteros – Supplied
“It’s very much a positional-based golf course,” said Mullane. “You can’t just hit driver everywhere… you’ve got to shape the ball both ways and keep it in play.”
Sam’s also been fine-tuning his game after the recent HotelPlanner Tour events back in the UAE. A grip tweak, a focus on putting posture, and extra time on the putting green have helped restore some confidence after what he admits was a frustrating run of results, despite winning the Cedars Golf Championship on the Arab Golf Series.
“I felt like my mindset, once again, wasn’t very good on the HotelPlanner Tour before… I’m looking forward to resetting and playing a ‘new game’ over here that’s more suited to my strengths.
“I just need to stay more positive this time and try to believe in myself for once, but I’m extremely looking forward to it.”
Iberostar Real Club de Golf Novo Sancti Petri – Supplied
For Ahmad Skaik, the UAE’s top-ranked amateur, the trip to Spain is more familiar territory for the 28-year-old. He’s played the event twice before and knows what it demands.
“It’s a very tight course,” he said. “If I can get it going off the tee, then I can do well here… even though the course doesn’t suit my eye, that’s something you’ve got to adapt to if you want to make it on tour.”
Ahmad Skaik is presented with the low amateur by HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi at the 2025 UAE Challenge – EGF
Ahmad arrives in Cádiz off the back of a historic few months. He made headlines in April after making the cut at the UAE Challenge, by becoming the first UAE national ever to do so on the HotelPlanner Tour — a moment that felt like “a mountain off my shoulders.”
But he’s not looking to dwell on past achievements.
“Making the cut isn’t my goal now. My goal is to play even better and win events. That week in Al Zorah is a step towards that.”
Since then, he’s taken some time to rest and reset after a busy winter season — and now feels recharged for the European test.
While neither Ahmad nor Sam can claim a share of the €300,000 prize purse on offer this week due to their amateur status, what they’re gaining is arguably more valuable: real experience against seasoned professionals in a high-level tournament environment.
This week, they’re also joined by UAE professional Joshua Grenville-Wood, making it a strong contingent from the United Arab Emirates in Cádiz.
The trio begin their Challenge de Cádiz campaigns on Thursday. Ahmad tees off at 14:50 local time from the 1st tee, while Sam heads off on the 10th at the same time. Joshua is also off the 10th, slightly earlier at 13:10.
Another milestone week for UAE golf.
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Main Image: HotelPlanner Tour
