The UAE golf frenzy is showing no signs of abating as the HotelPlanner Tour—formerly the Challenge Tour—prepares for a thrilling double-header in April. Following a blockbuster run of DP World Tour events, the spotlight now turns to rising stars and aspiring champions as they battle for crucial ranking points and a coveted path to the main Tour.
The action tees off at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club from April 10-13 for the UAE Challenge, with the stunning Nicklaus Design layout making its debut on a European Tour group-sanctioned schedule. With its breathtaking and unique mangrove setting, the Ajman- course will pose a distinct challenge that will demand precision and creativity.
From there, the Tour moves on to the much-loved Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club for the Abu Dhabi Challenge from April 17-20. Both tournaments are co-promoted by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and will once again provide UAE-based players with invaluable experience against elite international competition. The EGF receives 30 spots for each event which they can also swap with other international Federations to open up further playing opportunities.
For the UAE’s leading amateur, Ahmad Skaik, the HotelPlanner Tour has been a game-changer. The UAE National Team star is set to tee it up alongside compatriots Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Rayan Ahmed, Mohammad Skaik, and Neyl Cherrat as they aim to test their skills against some of golf’s future stars.
UAE Record Breaker
“The partnership between the EGF and the HotelPlanner Tour has been so valuable,” said Skaik. “Every time I play, I get better. I feel like I’m getting closer to competing and winning at this level – I just need to keep working hard.”
Skaik’s rise has been captivating. Fresh off a record-breaking performance at the GCC Golf Championship, where he claimed individual and team gold for the UAE, the 27-year-old is eyeing a transition to the professional ranks, potentially as soon as the end of the year after the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
The EGF’s strategic alliances with other golf federations are also paying dividends, allowing UAE players to compete in HotelPlanner Tour events worldwide, gaining critical experience on the international stage. The HotelPlanner Tour has long been a proven testing ground for future DP World Tour and Major champions, with the likes of Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooks Koepka honing their craft there before making their mark at the highest level. Now, with its continued commitment to the UAE through at least 2032, the European Tour group is bolstering the region’s status as a key player in the development of global golf talent.
“We’re delighted to be returning to the UAE for these two fantastic events,” said Jamie Hodges, HotelPlanner Tour Director. “The UAE has long been a key destination for developing golf talent, and with the addition of Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club to the schedule, we continue to showcase some of the region’s most stunning and challenging courses. Both tournaments provide a vital platform for rising stars to gain valuable competitive experience as they strive to progress to the DP World Tour. Our thanks go to our co-promoters the Emirates Golf Federation as well our returning partners, Arena and Al Laith, for making these tournaments possible.”
Adding to the significance of this year’s events, the EGF will also welcome newly appointed full-time rules officials Sasinun and Sasikarn Tungbenjapol. The Thai twins bring vast experience from the Thai LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour, and Asian Tour, further strengthening the professional framework of golf in the UAE.
With top-tier courses, a stacked international field, and rising local stars looking to make their mark, this year’s UAE double-header is shaping up to be another thrilling spectacle.
Whether it’s a future DP World Tour champion emerging or a UAE player making a statement on home soil, the stage is set for an unmissable fortnight of world-class competition.
