MENA Golf Tour Announces Exciting 12-Event Schedule Starting In Portugal For 2025/2026 Season

The MENA Golf Tour is gearing up for a return later this year, marking a significant development with Keith Waters stepping in as Chairman and Commissioner. Waters, who has over 40 years of experience with the DP World Tour and played a key role in establishing the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) in 2004, is expected to enhance the Tour's prestige and impact.

Established in 2011, the MENA Golf Tour stands out as the only OWGR-recognised circuit based in the Middle East. It offers crucial opportunities for professional golfers from both the region and worldwide. "I'm delighted to be involved in the relaunch of the MENA Golf Tour," Waters stated. "This Tour has tremendous potential and serves as a crucial pathway for golfers, not just from the Middle East, but internationally."

Robert MacIntyre, now second on the European Ryder Cup ranking, shared his thoughts: "The MENA Golf Tour opened doors, taught me how to win, and prepared me for the challenges of the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR. I'm excited to see it return and give the next generation of players the same opportunities I had." His journey from this tour to winning titles like the RBC Canadian Open highlights its importance.

The upcoming 2025/2026 season will feature 12 events starting in Portugal. The first event will follow a Qualifying School in November aimed at non-exempt players. Each tournament will consist of 54 holes with a cut after 36 holes to determine the top 60 players and ties. The winner will receive $18,000 from a total prize pool of $100,000 per event.

Waters expressed satisfaction that the MENA Golf Tour remains an eligible OWGR tour with substantial prize money. This ensures that it continues to attract talent globally while providing essential competitive experiences. The relaunch aims to maintain its status as a vital platform for emerging golfers seeking international success.

The involvement of Waters is anticipated to elevate the MENA Golf Tour's standing further. His extensive background in developing golf tours positions him well to guide this initiative effectively. As it resumes operations, expectations are high for its role in nurturing future golfing talents.

The relaunch signifies a promising phase for golf in the region, offering players invaluable exposure and competition experience. With strategic leadership and robust planning, it aims to foster growth within professional golf circles both locally and internationally.

With inputs from WAM