The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and HSBC are set to collaborate on the inaugural UAE Cup, formerly known as the President's Cup, from October 25th to 27th, 2024. This event will take place at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, bringing together UAE National golfers and top amateur players from the Asia-Pacific and Arab Golf Federations.
Sponsored by HSBC and organized by the EGF, the tournament serves as a significant platform for highlighting regional talent while strengthening connections within the global amateur golf community. The host venue has gained international recognition over the past two years by hosting the Challenge Tour and other prestigious amateur championships. UAE resident Garrick Porteous (Eng) secured his second victory on the Challenge Tour by winning the Abu Dhabi Challenge earlier this year in Al Ain, placing him 35th in the Race to Mallorca Order of Merit Rankings.
This year, the EGF will introduce a new Elite Open Division, featuring top players from Asia-Pacific, the 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 WAGR event, with 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.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East (HBME), expressed excitement about the evolution of the event into the UAE Cup. He highlighted the new Elite Division's potential to discover the best UAE National golfer and provide regional top players with opportunities to compete at higher levels in both the Challenge Tour and Ladies European Tour. Al Marzooqi emphasized the aim to create opportunities for the next generation of golfers, strengthening the Asia-Middle East connection and enhancing talent flow across these key regions, thereby establishing the UAE as a hub for international golf.
The annual National Championship tournament for UAE Nationals will continue to be held over the weekend, crowning the top UAE National in a two-day 36-hole championship on October 26th and 27th (Saturday and Sunday). General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the EGF, stressed the importance of maintaining the event's integrity by hosting the UAE National Championship alongside the Elite Division. He noted that the partnership with HSBC is crucial for the EGF and UAE Golf, aiming to provide the best opportunities for growth at all levels of the game.
The weekend will also feature a Future Falcons Par 3 Championship and Skills Challenge, expected to host over 100 kids from various skill levels. The EGF anticipates over 250 players from more than 50 different Federations to attend, with the event hosting three championships for the Elite Division, National Division, and Future Falcons.
