The UAE National Golf Championship makes an eagerly anticipated return to the domestic Golf scene
The UAE National Golf Championship makes an eagerly-anticipated return to the domestic scene when the premier event gets under way at Jumeirah Golf Estates on October 21 and 22.
Open to Emirati golfers, the championship will be played over 36 holes in a stroke-play format from the blue tees while ladies will tee off from the red tees. The first round will be played at the Fire course and the second will be held at the Earth course.
In line with the tradition of the championship, first played in 1995, the juniors will also compete in a separate nine-hole event over the Fire course from white tees on Saturday, October 22.
The revival of the National Championship after a gap of two years is part of the Emirates Golf Federation’s drive to create healthy playing opportunities for ever-growing number of Emirati golfers.
Ahmed Al Musharrekh, now a golfer of international class, was the last to win the championship in 2008 when he beat three-time winner Khalid Yousuf in a playoff, which was the first in the history of the event.
Ahmed made a bogey in the first playoff hole while Khalid, who topped his approach shot, finished with double-bogey, thus handing the prestigious title to Ahmed at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, said: “We are delighted to revive the championship which has always been very popular among the national players. They are all looking forward to competing in the event.
“Over the years the standard of golf among Emiratis has shown a marked improvement and we can expect an absorbing battle for honours. The championship will also provide a springboard for players who enrolled with the National Junior Programme to test their skill in a competitive environment.
“We are grateful to Jumeirah Golf Estates for offering discounted green fee for the main event and allowing junior players to use their facilities. We value their support and, hopefully, we will have an event to remember.”
