The stage is set for one of amateur golf’s most prestigious events as 120 of the region’s best players prepare to battle it out on the iconic Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club for the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship At stake? A life-changing invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament and exemption into The 154th Open Championship – two golden tickets every amateur dreams of.
Jointly organised by Augusta National Golf Club, The R&A, and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Championship returns to Dubai for the first time since 2021, promising four thrilling days of elite amateur golf in the Middle East’s golfing capital.
Front runner
Leading the field is Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee, the World No. 56 and highest-ranked player in the draw. The Arizona State University standout has been in sensational form with multiple top finishes this season. Joining him is fellow Thai prodigy Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat, who famously became the youngest winner of an Official World Golf Ranking event at just 15.
From Hong Kong, Jeffrey Shen arrives red-hot after a string of top-three finishes, while compatriot Taichi Kho – runner-up here in 2021 – serves as inspiration after turning that breakthrough into an Asian Tour victory and Asian Games gold. Australia’s Harry Takis also looks dangerous following his commanding 11-shot win at the Singapore Open, and China’s Ziqin Zhou returns hungry for redemption after narrowly missing out on the 2024 title.
Flying the flag for the host nation is Ahmad Skaik, making his sixth Championship appearance. Fresh from a record-breaking GCC Golf Championship win and historic European Tour cut, the 28-year-old leads a record UAE contingent of six – the country’s largest representation in tournament history.
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The Majlis Course will once again test every aspect of the players’ games. Its most infamous hole, the 488-yard par-four ninth, has claimed more double bogeys than birdies over the past five Dubai Desert Classics. As Rory McIlroy puts it: “You’ve done well if you make four fours during the week.”
Survive the ninth, and the back nine offers redemption and risk. The drivable 17th and dramatic 18th will ensure a thrilling finish as the region’s best chase Major dreams under Dubai’s skyline.
Since its inception in 2009, the Championship has launched stars like Hideki Matsuyama, and this week, another name will join that illustrious list. The stage is set. The prize is immense.
