The inaugural UAE CUP, sponsored by HSBC, concluded with resounding success at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, showcasing elite amateur talent from the UAE and around the globe from October 25-27.
The Emirates Golf Federation gathered the UAE’s top national players and leading international amateurs for three days of thrilling competition, marking a significant milestone in the country’s golfing scene.
In the Men’s Elite division, which spanned all three days, Australia’s Coby Carruthers claimed victory with an impressive eight-under-par finish, securing a four-shot lead. His win was anchored by a remarkable, bogey-free opening round of 66, earning him a coveted spot in an upcoming Challenge Tour event and qualification for the Asian Tour’s Q-School Final Stage in December.
In the Ladies Elite division, Thailand’s Prim Prachnakorn delivered an equally impressive performance, finishing at four under par to secure her title. Her win also earned her a prized invitation to compete in an upcoming Ladies European Tour event.
The UAE Nationals tournament, held over Saturday and Sunday, showcased top-tier golf across 36 holes, with standout performances in each division. Sam Mullane claimed the men’s title, Intissar Rich took the ladies’ crown, General Abdullah Al Hashmi emerged victorious in the seniors’ category, and Mohammed Thabet triumphed among the juniors.
“This tournament has been an incredible milestone for golf in the UAE, bringing together talent from around the world and inspiring our next generation of players,” said General Abdullah Al Hashmi. “It’s an honour to see such high-caliber competition here, and I’m proud of our national golfers who performed so well on home soil.”
“The UAE CUP has set a new standard for amateur golf in the region. Seeing the skills displayed over these past few days has been both inspiring and a testament to the growth of golf in our nation. I look forward to seeing this tournament flourish in the years to come.”
The weekend continued with the Future Falcons hosting two Par 3 Championships, featuring over 100 talented young golfers in both a mixed and a UAE Nationals edition.
On Saturday, the Nationals tournament saw Maitha Almaazmi claim victory in the Girls’ Red category, while Mansoor Al Awadhi took the top spot in the Boys’ Red category. Shamma Al Hosani triumphed in the Girls’ Blue category, and Zayed Ali Abubaker won the Boys’ Blue category.
In the Open tournament on Sunday, Yasmeen El Husseini won the Girls’ Red Gross category, George Pendleton Nash secured the Boys’ Blue Gross title, and Mohammad Ayaan took first place in the Mixed Net Championship.
The first edition of the UAE CUP has set a remarkable standard, highlighting the country’s commitment to excellence in sports and youth development. With robust support from HSBC and a clear focus on nurturing future talent, the UAE CUP has not only inspired young golfers but also reinforced the UAE’s position as a burgeoning hub for competitive golf.