Four of the UAE National Team’s finest golfers enjoyed a ‘once in a lifetime’ golfing experience on the second day of the Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final as they went head-to-head at the picturesque Al Hamra Golf Club for the Ras Al Khaimah National Matchplay Challenge.
The duo of Ahmed Skaik (Address Montgomerie) and 16 year old Rashid Al Emadi (Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club / 7.8) came out on top in the 18 hole Betterball Matchplay Gross event after defeating Khalid Yousuf (ETPI) and 14 year old Obaid Al Heloo (Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club / 7.6) 1-up after coming back from 3-down after four holes.
The tournament, which was run by the Emirates Golf Federation in conjunction with the European Challenge Tour, saw all four National Team members experience an authentic professional event course setup as they teed off at 11:10am, just 30 minutes after Romain Langasque, Adri Arnaus and Niklas Lemke got their second round started in a bid to be crowned champion of the inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final.
“It was a really good experience to play just after the Challenge Tour stars at Al Hamra Golf Club,” said Skaik who came third at the Ras Al Khaimah Men’s Open last weekend.
“The greens and fairways were in pristine condition so that was really enjoyable. I didn’t manage to catch many of the players playing today but I’ll be back over the next couple of days to see what I can learn from these players and hopefully one day I’ll be playing alongside them!”
Rashid Al Emadi said: “It was an amazing to experience to play with the same course conditions as the professionals. I’m only 16 years old so it’s definitely a goal of mine to try and reach the Challenge Tour in the future. I’m looking forward to coming back on Saturday to watch the players and receive our trophy.”
The two winners are highly respected members of the UAE National Team with Scratch golfer Skaik representing his country earlier this year at the iconic Eisenhower Trophy as well as finishing in fifth place in the individual category at the Pan Arab Championship last month. Al Emadi will also be heading to junior version of the Pan Arab Championship in Morocco next week.
Skaik and Al Emadi will be in attendance during the final round on Saturday November 3 to receive their trophies as part of the Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final and Road to Ras Al Khaimah prize giving on the 18th green at Al Hamra Golf Club.
“Congratulations to Ahmed and Rashid on winning the Ras Al Khaimah National Matchplay Challenge,” said Nick Tarratt, Director, European Tour Dubai Office. “This is one of many initiatives that the European Tour and Challenge Tour offer to the local communities when they visit for a golf tournament.
“We also thank the Emirates Golf Federation for playing their part in this special tournament which was a rewarding and unforgettable experience for all four UAE National golfers.”
