Petrochem Condors emerged victorious in the inaugural Ultimate Golf Challenge held at Emirates Golf Club. As the international golf season in Dubai reaches its peak, anticipation is mounting for the return of the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) in 2025—an innovative, franchise-based tournament featuring 10 teams and 140 players from across the UAE.
Following a successful debut season, UGC is poised to elevate the competition with three major events, one more than the previous season. The action will commence on January 30, 2025, at the renowned Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, followed by a second event at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club on February 7, 2025. The season will culminate in a Grand Final on February 13, 2025, at the iconic Majlis Course—a venue that symbolizes the pinnacle of golf in the UAE.
The uniqueness of UGC lies in its franchise-based structure, with each of the 10 teams owned by a strategic partner, fostering a dynamic and competitive environment. Each team comprises 14 players, including both men and women, representing various skill levels: low, medium, and high handicap. The format ensures fair and balanced play, requiring each team to field two players from the low and high handicap categories, four from the middle, and a minimum of two women. The excitement intensifies with the UGC 'Player Auction,' scheduled for December 10, 2024, where franchise owners and managers will bid to secure the best local and amateur golfing talent.
The auction will finalize the rosters for each franchise, with fierce competition expected as top players are acquired by the 10 teams. 'This competition is special because it unites a diverse community of golfers—people who might never have had the chance to play alongside each other in the past,' says De Souza, a former professional golfer and now head of a sports management agency, organizers of the UGC. 'In smaller events, players compete in more intimate settings, but the UGC creates a larger platform, bringing golfers together in a way that fosters a truly unique atmosphere. The camaraderie, the competition, and the spirit of the game are what make this event unforgettable.'
Each event of Season 2 will feature daily prizes and conclude with the crowning of the Ultimate Golf Challenge champion at the Grand Final on February 13 at the prestigious Emirates Golf Club. The format for Day 1 will feature a modified Stableford competition, while Day 2 will see another modified Stableford format alongside Matchplay matches, with all players engaging in nine simultaneous matches against other teams. Team Petrochem Condors won the inaugural event last season, while Tristar Gladiatos triumphed in the finale.
'We had an amazing day of golf,' said De Souza, reflecting on the success of the first season. 'The energy was incredible, with competitive play and a fantastic social atmosphere. Congratulations to all the winners and participants—this is just the beginning of something special.' In Season 2, each team will compete under its own banner, sporting team uniforms, and vying for the prestigious UGC Trophy, awarded to the team with the best eight individual scores from their 10-player roster. Individual prizes will also be up for grabs, adding to the excitement of this high-stakes competition.
The Ultimate Golf Challenge is rapidly becoming one of the most thrilling and innovative golf competitions in the region, and with the upcoming season promising even more exhilarating action, it’s sure to be an unmissable event for golfers and fans alike.
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