Ahmad Skaik, one of the UAE’s brightest golfing talents, is set to make his first appearance at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as a professional at Emirates Golf Club.
Having turned professional just two months ago, Skaik is arriving at the UAE’s Majlis golf course following one of the most successful amateur careers in Emirati golf history.
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“I’m very excited, of course. It’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “I’ve been working hard, and my game is in a good place, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“A lot of people have said they’re going to come and watch as well, so let’s see!”
This will be his second appearance in the Middle East’s longest-running tournament, but his first as a professional, with the event now a $9 million Rolex Series tournament. Looking back at his debut in 2022, he recalled how much his game has changed since then. “When I played in 2022, I felt like my game was nowhere near where it is now, and I wasn’t mentally ready for such a big stage.
“Since then, I’ve played in a lot of big events and done well as an amateur, so now, as a professional, I feel ready.
“I’ve played this course a lot recently, so I know where to hit it, where to miss it. When the rough is up, you really have to hit the fairways, but it plays the same for everyone.”
Skaik’s connection with the event stretches back to his teens. In 2017, he remembers watching Tiger Woods in person for the first time, “I followed him all 18 holes, and then later met him on the 18th green. That is my best memory,” he said. “Of course, I also remember watching Rory McIlroy, he has won around here a few times!”
Representing his country, the UAE, at home holds special meaning for the 29-year-old. “It’s always an honour to represent my country and the Emirates Golf Federation on big stages. “The EGF has done so much for me, and I’ve performed well for them, so it means a lot to represent them.”
Skaik will join a star-studded field, including defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Dustin Johnson, and a host of Rolex Series and DP World Tour winners at Emirates Golf Club from 22-25 January.
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