The Impact of the HotelPlanner Tour on UAE Golf
The HotelPlanner Tour, formerly known as the Challenge Tour, is set to return to the UAE next month with a highly anticipated double-header. This marks the third consecutive year that the tour has visited the Emirates, thanks to a long-standing partnership between the DP World Tour and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). This collaboration not only showcases top golfers vying for spots on the DP World Tour but also significantly contributes to the development of UAE National Team players and local professionals.
Key Events
- UAE Challenge: Taking place from April 10-13, this event will debut at the Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, offering a unique mangrove setting that promises to challenge even the most seasoned golfers. The club's Nicklaus Design layout will host a European Tour Group-sanctioned event for the first time.
- Abu Dhabi Challenge: Following the UAE Challenge, the tour moves to Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from April 17-20.
The Role of the Emirates Golf Federation
The EGF plays a pivotal role in this partnership, providing 30 tournament spots for UAE players across the two events. This initiative underscores the European Tour group's commitment to nurturing golf in the UAE until at least 2032. Ahmad Skaik, a key beneficiary of these opportunities, highlighted the value of this partnership in honing his skills and growing as a golfer.
Impact on UAE Golfers
UAE National Team players, including Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Rayan Ahmed, Mohammad Skaik, and Neyl Cherrat, will compete in these events. Exposure to elite competition has been transformative for Ahmad Skaik, who is working toward becoming a professional golfer. His recent success at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship, where he set a new record with an 18-under-par total, demonstrates the progress he has made thanks to the experience gained from playing on the HotelPlanner Tour.
Development Opportunities
The EGF’s exchange of tournament spots with other golf federations allows UAE players to compete internationally, which has significantly enhanced their skills. This international exposure has been crucial for players like Skaik, who believe that continuing to compete on the HotelPlanner Tour will help them reach their goal of turning professional.
New Developments
Next month’s events will also introduce newly appointed full-time rules officials, the Thai twins Sasinun and Sasikarn Tungbenjapol. With their wealth of experience from tours like the Thai LPGA, Ladies European Tour, and Asian Tour, they will bring a high level of professionalism to the HotelPlanner Tour.
Conclusion
The return of the HotelPlanner Tour to the UAE highlights the enduring impact of the EGF's partnership with the DP World Tour. By providing a platform for local golfers to compete against international stars, this collaboration continues to elevate the sport in the UAE, paving the way for future successes both domestically and globally.
