Emirati golfer makes history at UAE Challenge

Ahmad Skaik has made history, becoming the first Emirati ever to make the cut at a European Tour group event.

The UAE’s top amateur delivered a stunning finish to his second round at the UAE Challenge (HotelPlanner Tour), finishing at four-under-par.

Over the final three holes, Skaik went birdie-birdie-eagle, carding a five-under 67 at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman.

The 27-year-old, who is a member of the UAE National Team, started the day with some ups and downs but stayed patient, making his eagle on the par-five 18th after a perfect drive and a 12-foot putt.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Skaik is aiming for more history, with a goal to go double digits under par.

"I told my dad yesterday, I’m going to make birdie on the last to make the cut, because I triple-bogeyed it," he said.

"So, I’ll take eagle for sure! It’s very tough to make eagle, with that side slope off the green. I just thought, I don’t want to miss it right. I hit a really good three-iron—and the putt dropped!"

"It feels amazing." 🇦🇪

Ahmad Skaik becomes the first UAE amateur to make the cut at a #HotelPlannerTour event 👏 pic.twitter.com/ajJxHrzZGY

— HotelPlanner Tour (@HPlanner_Tour) April 11, 2025

Skaik’s performance marks a major milestone for UAE golf and highlights the success of the Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) partnership with the European Tour to develop local talent.

As part of the partnership, the EGF has secured 60 spots for local players at this week’s event in Ajman and next week’s Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.

These spots can also be exchanged with other federations to unlock even more playing opportunities at HotelPlanner Tour events around the world.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s JC Ritchie, France’s Oihan Guillamoundeguy, and Ireland’s Mark Power share the lead at ten under par after rounds of 70, 67, and 67.

Guillamoundeguy was another player who got the better of Al Zorah’s closing holes, finishing his round with consecutive birdies.

"Always nice to finish birdie-birdie. I hit two good shots and made two birdies in a row to finish, so that’s really good," said the 20-year-old.

"I played really well today. There were a couple of mistakes, but I bounced back really well.
"I’m feeling good; I love the place. I have some friends who came here to support me, so I’m feeling good, and I’m ready for this weekend."

Christoffer Bring and fellow Dane John Axelsen lie one shot back alongside England’s Will Hopkins at nine under.

Dubai resident Adri Arnaus enjoyed another strong day, matching his 68 from the first round to move to eight under for the tournament.

The UAE’s Joshua Grenville-Wood is also in contention. The 27-year-old mirrored compatriot Skaik with an eagle at the last to sign for 68 and move to six under par.