Skaik eyes another historic moment in Abu Dhabi

Fresh off his groundbreaking performance at the UAE Challenge, Ahmad Skaik is ready to shine again at the Abu Dhabi Challenge, the final stop in the Challenge Tour’s UAE double-header.

The 27-year-old Emirati golfer made headlines last week, becoming the first from the nation to make the cut in a European Tour group event. His standout second-round finish at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, which read birdie-birdie-eagle, secured his place for the final 36 holes and earned him the lowest amateur honours.

While the final rounds were not without their challenges - most notably a cracked driver and the adjustment to a new one - Skaik remains focused on the positives as he prepares to tee off at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.

“I’m taking lots of positives away from last week, the last two rounds aren’t going to take away anything from what I achieved,” said Skaik.

 “I’ll be taking all of those positives, hopefully do the same and maybe even better.”

Skaik’s participation in the UAE Challenge and this week’s Abu Dhabi Challenge is part of a groundbreaking partnership between the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the European Tour group. The initiative, which grants UAE players 60 tournament spots across the two events, aims to nurture golf talent in the region and runs through 2032.

For Skaik, the opportunity has been transformative. Since 2023, he has competed in 12 Challenge Tour events across Europe, honing his skills in countries like Italy, Spain, and the Czech Republic. This global experience has fortified his belief that he belongs at this level as he sets his sights on turning professional later this year.

“I’ve played many of these HotelPlanner Tour events and I feel like I can now compete with them,” he said.

 “I don’t see any big differences between me and the players on the Tour, so that just gives me confidence heading into this week’s event in Al Ain.”

Skaik won’t be the only UAE players hoping to leave a mark in Al Ain. His UAE National Team teammates, including his brother Mohammed, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Neyl Cherrat, and Rayan Ahmed, will also compete, aiming to follow in his historic footsteps.

The event also promises world-class competition, featuring two-time DP World Tour champion Eddie Pepperell, Dubai-based Adri Arnaus and last week’s winner Renato Paratore.

The Italian entered the final round at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club one shot back but quickly raced to the top of the leaderboard thanks to three birdies and an eagle on his first five holes.

Two further birdies on the back nine saw two-time DP World Tour winner Paratore pull away from the chasing pack to finish at 22 under par and seal a maiden title.