The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) have announced Abu Dhabi Golf Club as the host venue for this year’s World Amateur Team Championship (WATC).
The World Amateur Team Championship is a biennial international amateur golf competition conducted by the International Golf Federation. The championship will be held in the Middle East for the first time since their inauguration in 1958. 2023 will mark the 33rd men’s championship for the Eisenhower Trophy which will be held from 18th–21st October and the 30th women’s championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy which will be held from 25th-28th October, 2023. The competition brings together the best amateur golfers who have aspirations of collegiate golf or turning professional. Some of the biggest names in golf participated in the WATC are: Annika Sorenstam (SWE) ’90, ’92, Jack Nicklaus (USA) ’60, Colin Montgomerie (GBI) ’84, Sergio Garcia (ESP) ’96, ‘98, Rory McIlroy (IRE) ’06 and Tiger Woods (USA) ’94.
“The IGF is very excited to be holding our first World Amateur Team Championships in the Middle East,” said IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlon.
“The Abu Dhabi Golf Club will provide the best male and female amateur players in the world the opportunity to compete on an exceptional course at a world class facility. We thank the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their support and look forward to working with the Emirates Golf Federation on the successful delivery of the Championships.”
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We strongly believe that making the practice of sport a daily lifestyle, representing its positive impact on public health. Precisely for this reason, the Sports Council is supporting the Emirates Golf Federation and their vision of golf development, and creating a competive pathway for the sport within the UAE. We look forward to hosting the best amateurs in the sport of golf while celebrating Abu Dhabi as a golf destination.”
General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the EGF, added: “The Emirates Golf Federation, IGF, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Golf Club have been working hard behind the scenes to make the new venue work for everyone involved, more importantly, the teams and players. For the EGF to host the WATC in the Middle East for the first time it is important that we put our best foot forward. With the support and backing of the Sports Council, this will only elevate the player experience. Likewise, Abu Dhabi Golf Club has the resume of hosting the best championships in this part of the world. We are excited to continue to work with the IGF team and our Championship Committee to deliver a championship at the highest level leaving a legacy for UAE golf. On behalf of the EGF Chairman His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi and the rest of the EGF Board of Directors we would like to thank Abu Dhabi Sports Council for its continued support.”
