Top 16 professionals of UAE to take on amateurs in Ryder Cup-style tournament
Dubai: The Dubai Golf Trophy, one of the most prestigious events on the UAE golfing calendar, will take place at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Sunday (May 8) with the second day on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club on Monday (May 9, 2022).
The Ryder Cup style tournament, now in its 23rd year, pits the UAE’s top 16 professional players against the top 16 amateurs in the country and was founded by Dubai Golf. Each team consists of 12 automatic qualifiers from the season-long UAE PGA tournaments and qualifying Emirates Golf Federation events across the UAE. Both team captains have an additional four wild card picks and two ladies are selected to compete in the Dubai Golf Trophy Ladies Challenge Match to complete both sides.
This year, the amateur team is gunning for seven victories in a row, having claimed another convincing victory last year at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Khalid Yousuf (EGF) will captain this year’s amateur team while Michael Major from Dubai Creek will lead the professionals in a non-playing capacity.
‘‘I am delighted to be the captain for the professional team, it’s a proud moment,’’ Major said. ‘‘We have a strong team this year, but of course we continue to be underdogs until we manage to regain the trophy back from the amateur side.’’
Yousuf added: ‘‘It’s a great honour to captain the amateur team this year as I have been involved in the Dubai Golf Trophy for over 15 years. The team is looking very strong this year and we are hoping to continue the amateur run. The pro team is also looking very good this year and we are all looking forward to some tight games over the weekend.’
Chris May, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Golf, said: ‘‘The Dubai Golf Trophy was founded on the principle of raising the profile of golf in the region and bringing both amateur and professional golfers from clubs all over the UAE together in a competitive and enjoyable format. The tournament provides a focus for players to aim for throughout the qualifying events counting towards the Emirates Golf Federation and UAE PGA Order of Merits during the season, and culminating in a season ending spectacle on two of the finest courses in the region. Best of luck to both teams.’’
Schedule. Dubai Golf Trophy 2022
Sunday, May 8
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
7 am onwards: Foursomes & 12:30 pm onwards: Fourballs
Monday, May 9
Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club
11 am onwards: Singles