Ahmad Skaik will make his professional debut this week at the PGA Aroeira Challenge (25–27 November) as the MENA Golf Tour launches its landmark 2025–26 season in Portugal.
The UAE’s leading amateur has chosen the Tour’s relaunch to take the next step in his career, joining a 54-hole season opener that forms part of a 12-event calendar, each offering $100,000 prize funds and Official World Golf Ranking points.
Confident
Skaik arrives filled with confidence after finishing 13th at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club, where he was inside the top ten for much of the week.
“I wanted to wait until after the Asian Pacific,” said Skaik. “That performance gave me the answer that I’m ready. My game feels like it’s coming together and this is a great place to start.”
He faces immediate competition from Chris Wood, who dominated last week’s MENA Golf Tour Q School at Troia with a six-shot victory. The former Ryder Cup player and three-time DP World Tour winner shot 66-72-72 to secure full playing rights for the season.
Q-School Stars
Also lining up this week are Q School runners-up Sebastian Sandin (Scotland), Will Marshall (England) and Nicolas Calvet (France), alongside former HotelPlanner Tour winner Sébastien Gros.
PGA Aroeira Golf Club presents a different test to Troia, with softened fairways after recent rain placing extra emphasis on accuracy.
“It’s tight and playing long because of the rain,” Skaik said. “You’ve got to be very straight off the tee. I’m excited for the challenge.”
The event marks the first of two tournaments in Portugal before the Tour moves on to Egypt and Morocco as part of its expanded regional schedule. With OWGR points, strong prize funds and fast payouts, the MENA Golf Tour’s return offers a powerful platform for both emerging talent and established names.
