Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will host The Challenge Tour in the UAE for the first time in five years with two events showcasing golf’s next generation of talent, along with a host of local players.
The two events, the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on April 27–30, 2023, and the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on May 4–7, 2023, are part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), aimed at developing golf in the UAE for at least the next decade.
The first step for the EGF was signing a long-term partnership with the European Tour group last year and the second step was to bring the Challenge Tour back to the UAE. It’s a great opportunity for us to give local players the experience of playing in big tournaments like this, ensuring they get an understanding and exposure to competing against professional players.
Mr. Akram Skaik, Director General of Emirates Golf Federation, shared.
Thirty spots in each tournament will be allocated to the EGF, aiming to create playing opportunities and provide a pathway for Emirati golfers. The EGF can further trade these places with other federations across the world to give their players an opportunity to play in Challenge Tour events overseas.
Mr. Freddie Schmeisser, Head of Championships at DP World Tour Middle East, commented that “we are delighted to bring the Challenge Tour back to the UAE for these two fantastic events, which form a key part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation aimed at growing the game of golf in this country at all levels.”
“It is fantastic that UAE-based players are getting the opportunity to play with up-and-coming stars on the Challenge Tour, who are all fighting for a DP World Tour card. The experience they are going to gain is priceless, and having back-to-back events elevates that even more. Our players from the UAE know both courses better than anybody, so we’re hoping they can use that to their advantage,” Mr. Schmeisser added.