Adrian Otaegui is confident he made the right choice in switching his allegiance to the UAE, despite the decision rendering him ineligible for future Ryder Cup selection.
The five-time DP World Tour winner, who has served as an Emirates Golf Federation Golf Ambassador since 2019 and partnered with the UAE Determined Golfers Program for the past three years, was officially unveiled as a UAE representative at a press conference held by the UAE Olympic Committee on Tuesday.
While the move from Spain to the UAE marks a significant achievement for the Olympic Committee and the Emirates Golf Federation, it effectively ends Otaegui’s chances of competing for Europe in the Ryder Cup.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News, the 32-year-old admitted he wrestled with the implications of losing eligibility for the prestigious biennial contest between Europe and the United States.
However, he ultimately decided that the opportunity to represent the country he has called home for the past 13 years was too compelling to pass up.
“The matter of Ryder Cup selection was something I was really thinking about,” Otaegui told Gulf News.
“I spoke to Guy Kinnings (DP World Tour CEO) a couple of weeks ago, and he was very excited about it (switching to the UAE) and thought it was a great thing for me personally, but also for the DP World Tour.
“The Ryder Cup was a concern in my head, but every decision has some good things and bad things about it.
“You know, when I retire from golf, I think there is a door that will still be open here in terms of an academy or working with the juniors. So, as I said, there are always good and bad things with every decision, but I’m very convinced I’m making the right decision.”
Olympic dream
Speaking to Gulf News on Wednesday, General Abdullah Al-Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, emphasised that “qualification for the Olympic Games is a key milestone in this journey” and described the prospect of Otaegui qualifying for Los Angeles 2028 as a “defining moment for the country.”
Otaegui shares that vision and is driven by the potential impact an Olympic appearance - and possibly a medal - could have on the growth of golf in the UAE.
“I know how big and important it would be to win a medal for the UAE,” he said.
“Just to try and grow golf - obviously sport in general, but golf in my case - in the UAE is massive. There’s a very long journey still to be done for Emiratis to get into golf, so I think it would be very important for golf in general in the UAE. It’s such a big motivation for me as well.
“To think that one result or achievement from me could potentially motivate or incentivize the next generation to play golf - it’s very motivating.”
'It's very easy to talk'
Otaegui didn’t hold back in addressing critics of his decision to represent the UAE, with some users on X accusing the 2024 China Open champion of making the switch solely for financial gain.
Having highlighted his long-standing contributions to the UAE National Team and the close, lasting friendships he has built within the local community since moving to Dubai in 2009, Otaegui added: “In all honesty, it’s very easy to talk, and everybody has the right to say whatever they want, but I doubt those people truly know me.
“Obviously, this decision - I’m making it because I think it’s good for me, my future and my family’s future by living here. The more people I meet, the more contacts I have and the better it is for the future.
“My sporting career has a beginning and an end, but there is also a life after it. So, for me, being involved with the Emirates Golf Federation, working with the kids in the future and being open to having an academy here or designing golf courses - I think there are other doors and opportunities that can open up for me.”
