Top UAE golf body renamed EGF

Dubai: The UAE Golf Association, better known by its acronym UGA, has changed it name to the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF).

The move follows the Board of Directors decision to give a makeover to the association that came into being in 1995. The EGF will also have a new logo, which the federation believes will be more appealing to the people.

"We always had this feeling that the name [UGA] created a bit of confusion with some people who believed that the acronym stood for the United Golf Association, without realising it was the shortened version of the UAE Golf Association," said Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the EGF.

"We wanted to clear the confusion and have thus come out with a new name that is instantly recognisable and represents all the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The new name, I think, will help enhance the image and popularity of the federation.

"And, more importantly, it will underline the fact that the federation is meant to look after the interests of all emirates," he said.

Adel Al Zarouni, Secretary General of the EGF, said: "Under the Ministry of Youth and Sport Welfare we are recognised as a Federation and not as an Association. Thus, the Emirates Golf Federation is the right name for us from now on."

The new name and the new logo reflect the resolve of the EGF to give a fresh impetus to the sport in the country.

Today, the UAE is referred to as the golfing capital of the region with a number of championship courses dotting the landscape of the emirates and attracting a constant flow of tourists round the year.

"For any sport to flourish, it is important that we look after the game at all levels, the juniors, in particular. We are in the process of giving a new shape to the junior programme, which will run parallel to our several new programmes, aimed at attracting more UAE nationals and expatriates to the game," Albudoor said.

"We are also very keen on strengthening our working relationship with different clubs in the UAE. We believe the clubs have a role to play and we look forward to their continued support in implementing our new programmes," he said.

"Golf is the future of all sports here," he said. "The EGF now boasts a membership close to 6,000, the sheer number amply reflecting on the popularity of the game both among the nationals and expatriates."

The Handicap Scheme Golf Days - meant for golfers who are not members of the clubs, but are enrolled with the EGF - have proved to be the catalyst in spreading the game.

In addition, regular golf players, subject to their standards, can attain a handicap according to Congu (Councils of National Golf Unions) and LGU (Ladies Golf Union) systems.

The EGF's Junior Development Programme is another facility that blends preparatory courses with intensive, high-level golf instructions from professional golfers.

In addition, regular golf players, subject to their standards, can attain a handicap according to Congu (Councils of National Golf Unions) and LGU (Ladies Golf Union) systems.

The EGF's Junior Development Programme is another facility that blends preparatory courses with intensive, high-level golf instructions from professional golfers.