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The HotelPlanner Tour, alongside the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), is gearing up once again across the UAE to showcase the best global professional golfers striving to secure a place on the DP World Tour.
The €9,000,000, 29-tournament-long 2025 Road to Mallorca Rankings season arrives in the Emirates of Ajman and Abu Dhabi in mid-April for back-to-back events, having already travelled to South Africa for its opening four events and, more recently, to India for a doubleheader.
Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club – Image supplied
Now, the recently rebranded HotelPlanner Tour has its sights set on the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club, followed by the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club the following week.
This marks the third edition of both events, highlighting the 10-year agreement between the DP World Tour, HotelPlanner Tour, and the EGF to develop the game of golf in the region.
General Abdullah Alhashmi. Image supplied
“These two events are a vital part of our strategy to establish a comprehensive development pathway for golf in the UAE,” said EGF Vice President General Abdullah Alhashimi (right). “At the Emirates Golf Federation, we are focused on providing opportunities for players to grow from grassroots to the highest tiers of professional golf, creating a complete ecosystem for player development.
“These HotelPlanner Tour events play a crucial role in that system, offering competitive platforms for our local talents to progress. Our vision is to position the UAE as the leading destination for golf in the region, and events like these are central to achieving that goal.”
Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club. Image supplied
Alongside UAE professional Joshua Grenville-Wood, talented UAE amateurs—Rayan Ahmed, Sam Mullane, Ahmad Skaik, and Jonathan Selvaraj—will also be competing, fresh off their record-setting success at the GCC Golf Championship in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua Grenville-Wood. Image supplied
“We’re incredibly proud to see these three amateurs earning their places in the field,” added General Alhashimi. “It reflects their hard work and the steady rise in their performance levels. Their participation is significant, not only because they are representing the UAE on an international stage, but also because it sends a powerful message to the next generation of Emirati golfers.
“These players are now competing against elite professionals, testing themselves at a higher level, which is essential for their growth. This is precisely why we invest in hosting these kinds of events—so our players can challenge themselves, gain experience, and measure their progress. Their continued development is a promising sign for the future of golf in the UAE.
Sam Mullane. Image supplied
“Additionally, we are pleased to have participation from other Arab countries. This is not only a testament to the growing strength of golf in the region but also an important step in fostering regional collaboration.
“It aligns with the broader objectives of the Arab Golf Federation—to raise the standard of play, increase opportunities for Arab golfers, and collectively promote the sport. These tournaments serve as a platform to unite players from across the Arab world, helping to drive the game forward on a regional scale.”
UAE national Ahmad Skaik led his team to capture their first-ever Team Golf Medal at the 2025 GCC Championship at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club. At the same time, he delivered a record-breaking performance in the Individual Division, finishing 18 under par—15 shots ahead of his nearest competitor—to take home the Gold Medal.
2025 GCC Championship – EGF Secretary General Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Rayan Ahmed, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj and National Team Head Coach, Faycal Serghini)
“I’m really looking forward to playing the HotelPlanner Tour with all the guys,” said Skaik. “My confidence is high, especially after winning the GCC Championship in Saudi. I broke many of my own records—first time shooting four rounds under par, all in the 60s. My best tournament score was six under, and now it’s 18 under! So, there are plenty of positives to take from that recent win.
“It’s always great to play big events, especially at home with all the support we get and on familiar courses. It’s going to be amazing to tee it up alongside the other UAE Nationals, and it will be a fantastic experience for all of us.
“But most importantly, if I feel on top of my game, stay healthy, keep practicing, and remain sharp, I know I can compete. I don’t want to just play to gain experience—I feel like I can actually compete now.”
Ahmad’s fellow UAE National player, Sam Mullane, is relishing the opportunity to compete on one of golf’s global tours following his success in the GCC Championship and additional silverware in regional events.
Jonathan-Selvaraj. Octavio Passos/Getty Images
“I’ve been playing pretty well recently, and I’m trying to carry some momentum from the amateur tournaments as I prepare to play on home soil. Playing alongside Ahmad and Jonathan will be awesome—we always enjoy playing and travelling together as a team, so hopefully, we can all put in a good performance and see how it goes.
“I’m just focusing on playing the way I do in amateur tournaments when stepping into professional events and not letting the scale of the occasion affect me. I think that’s something that has let me down in the past, but I’ve learned from my mistakes now. I haven’t always performed the way I know I can, but I hope my recent wins will help me deliver on the bigger stage.”
Main Image: Emirates Golf Federation
