20-05-2025
UAE stars tee up for glory in Korea after thrilling Dugasta final showdown
The journey that began months ago across the UAE's premier golf courses throughout the Emirates, reached its thrilling conclusion last weekend as the Dugasta Race to Korea National Final unfolded at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa.
The stakes were high, the competition fierce, and the prize — a chance to represent the UAE at the prestigious World Amateur Golfers Championship in Jeju Island, South Korea in October-November this year.
After 18 fiercely contested qualifying rounds over 1,000 hopefuls were whittled down to an elite field for the grand finale. The National Final brought together the very best amateur golfers in the country, divided into five handicap categories — each player hoping to seal their place on the international stage.
In Division 1 (0–5.4 handicap), Dhruv Nair of Dubai Creek Golf Club delivered a composed round of net 71, finishing atop the leaderboard. Neil Maidment from Sharjah produced the day's best score — a superb net 66 — to win Division 2 (5.5–10.4 handicap).
Irfan Izhar matched Nair's total with a net 71 to secure Division 3 (10.5–15.4 handicap), while Neil Mitchell of The Els Club matched the same score to triumph in Division 4 (15.5–20.4 handicap). Rounding off the winners, Ivan Kraemer from Emirates Golf Club posted a steady net 75 to take top honours in Division 5 (20.5–25.4 handicap).
These five golfers — each a reflection of skill and determination — have now earned the honour of representing the UAE at the World Amateur Golfers Championship in Jeju Island where they will compete against players from over 40 countries.
Organised by Sport2Business Events, the Dugasta Race to Korea series has not only showcased the rising standard of golf in the UAE but also brought the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and competition.
The season long tournament is sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF).
Russell Yeomans, promoter of the 2025 Race to Korea, commented, "This event at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, is the culmination of our 2025 season. Congratulations to the five Divisional champions for their scores.
"It has been a long season for all, but we feel the participation levels have been so much higher this season, especially at the end of the calendar. Thanks to all the golf clubs, and the Emirates Golf Federation for everyone's support.
"We are especially happy with the scoring levels. Looking at the overall final results it seems that we gave everyone the chance to participate and qualify – that is the difficult part of organizing a countrywide event involving so many players of varying handicap levels' 'We are proud of the UAE team we have assembled," Yeomans added.
"Attention now focuses to Jeju Island, for the World Final. We are all looking forward to what will be a very special week."
'As part of the Sport2Business portfolio, we have attended previous World Finals at various venues.'
Around 47 countries will be competing this year – it really is a Bucket-List event,' concluded Yeomans.
From Abu Dhabi to Ajman, the series inspired newcomers and seasoned players alike — proving that golf's grassroots in the UAE are alive, thriving, and gaining global momentum.
As the UAE's five champions prepare for their South Korean adventure on an all-expenses paid 7-day golfing extravaganza, the spotlight now shifts to Jeju Island, where dreams of global glory await — and the next chapter in their golfing journeys begins.
UAE winners heading to Jeju Island:
