The inaugural UAE Cup, previously known as the President’s Cup, will be hosted by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and HSBC from October 25th to 27th, 2024, at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. This event will bring together UAE National golfers to compete alongside top amateur players from the Asia-Pacific and Arab Golf Federations. Sponsored by HSBC and organized by the EGF, the tournament aims to showcase talent from the region and foster stronger ties within the international amateur golf community. The host venue, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, has gained recognition by hosting the Challenge Tour and other prestigious championships, putting it on the global golfing map.
The EGF will introduce a new Elite Open Division this year, featuring top players from Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Over 50 International Golf Federations have been invited to send their top male and female amateur golfers to compete in the Elite Division. The event will be an official World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event, with the winners of the Elite Division receiving invitations to a Challenge Tour event for the top male and a Ladies European Tour (LET) event for the top female players. This initiative aims to provide a platform for aspiring golfers to compete at a higher level and promote talent development across regions.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank Middle East, expressed excitement about the evolution of the event from the President’s Cup to the UAE Cup. With the inclusion of the Elite Division, the tournament aims to identify the best UAE National golfer while providing regional players with the opportunity to compete at the next level in the Challenge Tour and LET. The event also aims to strengthen the connection between Asia and the Middle East and establish the UAE as a hub for international golf. The annual National Championship for UAE Nationals will continue alongside the Elite Division, highlighting the importance of celebrating UAE golf within the local community.
Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the EGF, emphasized the significance of hosting the UAE National Championship alongside the Elite Division to maintain the event’s integrity. The goal of the tournament is to promote growth in UAE golf at all levels and foster collaboration with international partners like HSBC. The weekend will also feature a Future Falcons Par 3 Championship and Skills Challenge for kids of all skill levels, with over 100 participants expected to take part. The EGF is anticipating over 250 players from 50 different Federations to attend the event, which will host championships for the Elite Division, National Division, and Future Falcons.
In conclusion, the UAE Cup represents a significant milestone in the development of golf in the UAE, providing a platform for local talent to compete at an international level and fostering collaboration with global partners. With the inclusion of the Elite Division and the participation of top amateur golfers from various regions, the event aims to elevate the stature of UAE golf on the global stage. The support of sponsors like HSBC and the commitment of organizations like the EGF are crucial in driving the growth of golf in the region and attracting top talent to compete in prestigious events like the UAE Cup.
