Words by Will Kent and photography by Ahmed Nabil
Sam Mullane continues to shine as one of the UAE’s top amateur golf prospects, with the 21-year-old already securing two impressive victories this season. He claimed the UAE Nationals Division title at the UAE CUP before following it up with a win at the Dubai Hills Open just a week later.
Representing the UAE, Mullane has also gained valuable experience at a higher level, competing on the Asian Tour, Challenge Tour, and most recently, the Asian Development Tour. These opportunities have allowed him to test his skills against seasoned professionals, further fuelling his drive for success.
More recently, Mullane also went international once again as he travelled to Bahrain to compete in the prestigious King Hamad Trophy. We caught up with him to discuss his game and aspirations as he looks ahead to 2025.
WWG: Sam, your name is consistently often found at the top of the leaderboard here in the UAE. How has your game improved over the last couple of years?
SM: It’s got a bit better over the years. I’m struggling a bit with my irons this year, but I’m trying to get it back slowly but surely. My putting has also got a lot better as well, especially since winning the EGF Order of Merit last year.
WWG: You’re also getting to play in some big tournaments now, including in Cambodia on the Asian Development Tour not so long ago. How important do you think these events are in helping you improve?
SM: Very important. To me, it’s all about building experience at this stage for me. I mean, the last time out in Cambodia was so different to here in the UAE. I was just learning and figuring out how to play over there. Playing in events like that and getting experience as well as playing with some professionals is always good.
WWG: What do you think you need to do to take your game to the next level?
SM: Definitely hit the gym! I’m not the longest hitter and I’ve found that on those tours – especially the Challenge Tour – it’s so long, even in the UAE. When you’re hitting it quite short off the tee, it punishes you. I’ve just got hit it a bit further because at the moment I’m getting around 270 yards off the tee. If I added another 10-20 more yards, it would be better. At the moment I’m coming in with a six iron instead of a eight or seven iron. It’s making it a little bit harder for myself all the time.
WWG: With that in mind, are you already starting to think about when the ball rolls back in a couple of years for both professionals and amateurs?
SM: I’ve not really thought about that. I’m trying not to because then I’ll be hitting it 240 off the tee!
WWG: You also recently won the National Men’s division at the inaugural UAE CUP. How do you reflect on that week, a big win on a big stage?
SM: It was a pretty good week, but I didn’t play well the first round. I scrapped it round during the second round, and then in the final round I holed some putts. I actually wish I played a bit better really. I won the UAE National division which was nice, but I was also playing for the main event. To finish over par there was not what I was looking for.
WWG: Fair enough, but another notable win followed at the Dubai Hills Open. You must be happy with how your game is trending?
SM: Yeah, definitely. I rolled the ball well on those greens. I kinda like that course. I play well on it, including last year as well. I just thought the same thing as last year really. Go there, hit some nice shots, nice wedges, hole a few putts.
WWG: What does the future look like for you over the next few months? What are your plans?
SM: I just want to keep winning. I’m playing amateur events, but I’m trying to play the better ones now on the bigger stage that are more similar to a professional level. I’m just really trying to focus on playing well on a much bigger tournament. I haven’t managed to do it yet, but hopefully it will come soon that the opportunities I’m getting.
