Porteous embraces fresh outlook in Challenge Tour comeback

Up until recently, Dubai-based golfer Garrick Porteous lived and breathed the game.

Golf was his livelihood, a career he had pursued for a decade across the DP World Tour and its feeder circuit, the Challenge Tour.

But while stars like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler rake in tens of millions annually, the reality for many professionals grinding on the circuit is far less glamorous. For those striving to make ends meet, life is a far cry from private jets and five-star resorts.

Despite the career-defining high of winning the Challenge Tour’s Abu Dhabi Challenge nearly a year ago - where the Englishman delivered a flawless final round of 63 to claim a second Tour title - Porteous made the life-altering decision at the end of 2024 to step away from the relentless, uncertain grind of professional golf.

“All the travel was just wearing away at me,” said Porteous, who has lived in Dubai since 2023.

“I just kind of fell out of love with playing tournament golf, to be honest. Being away from my wife, friends, and family takes its toll and eats away at you.

“I did my PGA qualification, which opens a lot more doors than just playing. I felt it was the right time for me to call it a day, as I wanted to explore other things instead of playing professional golf all my life.

“At the end of the day, everyone has to retire at some point. For me, the timing was right, and it was the best decision.”

Although he has traded the relentless demands of life on Tour for a new chapter, Porteous has remained within the industry. He now works as a Sales & Account Manager at Prosports International, the parent company of Golf Superstore.

Yet, the competitive fire hasn’t completely faded, and he seized the chance to make a return to Challenge Tour action when the circuit returned to the UAE last week at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club.

The days of grueling practice sessions are behind him, but Porteous adopted a more laid-back approach as he geared up for a brief two-week return to the DP World Tour’s feeder circuit.

“I’ve been playing the odd Emirates PGA competition since I’m eligible as a PGA-qualified pro,” he said. “Kieran Pratt (Championship Director, Emirates Golf Federation) does a fantastic job organizing the schedule for local pros, and there’s a bit of prize money involved—luckily, I’ve won a couple of those.

“It’s been great because I’ve been living here for a while but hadn’t really connected with the other teaching pros or people in the local golf scene. These events have been a great way to meet others in the industry.”

At the Garden City, Porteous shot rounds of 74 and 70, missing the cut in his first Challenge Tour start since October. Unsurprising, perhaps, given his step back from the rigors of Tour life.

Now, Porteous heads to Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, where he will defend his Abu Dhabi Challenge crown. Like last week, he enters with tempered expectations.

“I have amazing memories from my win in Al Ain last year,” he said. “It’s a course where being long off the tee is an advantage, and you need to be sharp on the greens because it’s very scorable. You have to make a lot of birdies.

“I’m excited to return, but honestly, I don’t have any expectations. I haven’t been playing consistently, so I’m just taking it as it comes.

“The atmosphere in Al Ain is so relaxed compared to Dubai. It’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle. I’ll be staying up there, soaking it all in, and reliving those memories.

“If I can make the cut, I’ll be happy. To string together four rounds would be fantastic since it’s been a while. Let’s see how it goes.”

Porteous won't be the only UAE-based player taking part, with a strong local presence ensured through the Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) long-term partnership with the European Tour group, which grants 30 spots in each UAE event.

Ahmad Skaik, fresh off his historic outing at the UAE Challenge where he became the first Emirati to make the cut in a European Tour group-sanctioned event, is eager to build on that momentum.

The 27-year-old will be joined by several members of the UAE National Team, including his brother Mohammed, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Neyl Cherrat, and Rayan Ahmed, who impressed with a first-round 66 at last year’s Abu Dhabi Challenge.