UAE Fields Five Talented Golfers At 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship In Dubai

The renowned Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course, a landmark venue in the heart of Dubai, is set to host the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship from October 23–26, 2025. This championship, a pivotal event in amateur golf, will see Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Abdulla Kalbat, and Rayan Ahmed representing the United Arab Emirates, competing on familiar territory.

The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, inaugurated in 2009, is a collaborative effort by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), The R&A, and the Masters Tournament. Its primary aim is to nurture the growth of amateur golf throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The stakes are high, with the winner receiving an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament and the 154th Open. Runners-up will get a chance to qualify for The Open through the Qualifying Series, and the top three finishers will secure a spot in the 131st Amateur Championship.

For Ahmad Skaik, this marks his sixth participation in this highly competitive championship. Skaik has previously made headlines by being the second Emirati golfer to make the cut at the 2021 edition held at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, following Ahmed Al Musharrekh's achievement a decade earlier in Singapore. His teammate, Rayan Ahmed, also made a remarkable debut last year at Japan's Taiheiyo Club, joining Skaik in making history for the UAE by making the cut.

Ahmed's accomplishment was particularly notable, earning special recognition from Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley and EGF Vice Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi. Abdulla Kalbat, like Ahmed, made his first appearance in the championship last year, showcasing the growing talent within the UAE. This year, both Mullane and Selvaraj will join their teammates in competing for the first time, further strengthening the UAE's representation.

Ahmed Skaik shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming championship, stating, "I'm really excited, it's always special to play significant events like this on home soil." He added, "I know the Majlis Course well, and it's an incredible venue with a rich history of hosting some of the world's best players. I'm thrilled to have the chance to compete there for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, and I can imagine the other players feel the same."

This year's championship boasts a diverse field, with players from 41 APGC member organizations and a total of 116 players already confirmed out of a 120-player field. Notable competitors include Harry Takis of Australia, Ziqin Zhou of China, Kent Hsiao of Chinese Taipei, and Ratchanon "TK" Chantananuwat of Thailand, among others. This eclectic mix underscores the championship's reputation as a melting pot of global amateur golf talent.

General Abdullah Al Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the EGF, expressed pride in hosting such a prestigious event, saying, "To see such an exceptional field of amateur golfers coming together at Emirates Golf Club is a proud moment for us." He emphasized the significance of having five local players in the competition, highlighting it as an opportunity to inspire upcoming Emirati golfers and to showcase the UAE's progress in the sport.

The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship has been a stepping stone for many of golf's current stars, including 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and 2022 Open champion Cameron Smith. The tournament's alumni have collectively won 33 PGA Tour events and over 140 major professional tours worldwide, proving its role as a launchpad for aspiring golfers.

The Majlis Course, designed by Karl Litten and opened in 1988 as the Middle East's first grass course, is known for its iconic skyline views and rich history of hosting top-tier golf events, including the Dubai Desert Classic. This championship represents yet another milestone for the venue, as it gears up to welcome top amateur golfers for a historic week of competition.