The inaugural Palm Tee Challenge recently teed off at the iconic Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Founded by Shames Al Hashemi, this corporate golf tournament brought together the region’s business and golfing communities for a day of friendly competition, networking, and giving back.
“I’ve long dreamed of creating a high-profile golf event that celebrates the spirit of sport while making a real difference,” said Shames Al Hashemi, Founder of the Palm Tee Challenge. “This year, we’re proud to announce our CSR partner, the Al Noor Foundation, an organisation that empowers people of determination across the UAE.
“With the incredible support of our sponsors and players, we were looking forward to a great day but the reality exceeded our lofty expectations – a day filled with fun, competition, and purpose.”
The Palm Tee Challenge has indeed raised awareness for the Al Noor Foundation, which will be the beneficiary of all surpluses, expected to be close to AED400,000. The tournament attracted a strong lineup of sponsors, led by Emirates NBD as Title Sponsor, joined by Suitsupply, eGolf Megastore, Mart, Petrochem, Club Lab and official Yachting partner – Phoenix Yacht Management.
“Golf is a wonderful sport for bringing people together — it’s about camaraderie, competition, and community,” added Shames. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from the business and golfing circles, and we aim to make this an annual event that grows in impact every year.”
The event was managed by Sport2Business, the event management division of WPSL Services, known for organising the CEO Masters, Dugasta Race to Desaru, and the S2B Golf Society.
“We have been thrilled to help bring Shames’ vision to life,” said Russell Yeomans, Founder and CEO of WPSL Services. “The Palm Tee Challenge is more than just a tournament — it’s a platform that combines sport, purpose, and community, supporting our CSR partner, namely the Al Noor Training Centre for People of Determination. The generous sponsorships and spirit resulted in a memorable occasion with a memorable result for our CSR partner. To hear the stories behind the Al Noor Centre artwork from Ranjini Ramnath was truly inspirational.”
Rohan Mehta Managing Director of Petrochem (and co founder of Golf Lab) added, “It was an absolute privilege being a part of the Palm Tee Challenge. Not only was it a lovely afternoon with old friends and new -more importantly it was for a fabulous cause. This combination truly embodied our values as an organisation. Thanks to Captain Shames and his team for making it happen. We very much look forward to the next one!”
Mart® MD Viktor Petersson believes good design and responsible business should create impact beyond the spaces we design. “Supporting the Al Noor Training Centre for People of Determination reflects our commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and building environments, and communities, that work for everyone. We would like to thank Shames Al Hashimi and the organisers for inviting us to take part in such a well-organised event, and for their continued support of such an important cause.”
The event was fully subscribed, with sponsorships and team registrations all taken, plus an array of creative activations from all sponsors on the course. The acquisition of mulligans plus generous appreciation and purchasing of golfing memorabilia ensured an amazing outcome for Al Noor Foundation – to learn more and get involved next year, contact Shames Al Hashemi (+971504567866) or James Yeomans (+971504816277).
Pairs Team Texas Scramble Results (sum of both team scores)
1. The Pinseekers – Mike Mirza, Shahram Shamsaee, Ali Fatourechi, Adam Wadey (Handicap 3) Result -19
2. Shames Al Hashemi, General Abdullah Al Hashimi, John Kartonchik, Abdulaziz Murad (Handicap 8) -18
3. Rohit Gupta, Jayshree Gupta, Shezad Lakdawala, Bayhaan Lakdawala (Handicap 2) -15
Finally, Yusuf Al Hashemi from major sponsor Phoenix Yacht Management commented on the day ‘The Palm Tee Challenge was not only a fantastic day of sport and good company; it also reminded us how powerful it is when people come together for a purpose. We are grateful that our participation could contribute to a cause that reaches far beyond the golf course.”
From this year onward, the Palm Tee Challenge is here to stay — combining golf, giving, and great networking for a cause that truly matters.
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Main Image: Al Noor Foundation
