Back to normal as pro golf returns to UAE with Abu Dhabi Challenge

Pro golf is making a return to the United Arab Emirates this week with the HotelPlanner Tour's Abu Dhabi Challenge at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. This marks the first time competitive play has resumed in the region since the onset of the Iran war in February. The DP World Tour's Middle East swing was already concluded at that point, but the conflict still affected events on the Tour, which serves as the feeder series for the DP World Tour.

The Abu Dhabi Challenge, originally scheduled for May, has now been rescheduled to this month, while tournaments in Ajman and India were also impacted. The DP World Tour is set to conclude its season in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in November. Some players, like Matt Fitzpatrick, have expressed reservations about traveling due to the ongoing situation in the region.

However, tournament organizers are optimistic that the Abu Dhabi Challenge will help alleviate players' concerns. Four-time DP World Tour winner David Horsey, a resident of Dubai, expressed his support for the event, stating that it's a testament to everyone's efforts to make it happen. Ahmad Skaik, another Dubai-based pro, welcomed the tournament's return, emphasizing the importance of positive messages being sent to the world.

While 30 spots in the Abu Dhabi Challenge are open to UAE-based players, the majority of the field has come from outside the country. Irish player Liam Nolan, aiming for a spot in the season finale, voiced his confidence in the safety of the tournament, praising the European Tour Group's vigilant monitoring of the situation. The Abu Dhabi Challenge will serve as the final opportunity for players to secure their places in two upcoming tournaments in China, before the season finale in Mallorca.

Freddie Schmeisser, managing director of tournament and operations Middle East for the DP World Tour, highlighted the significance of the Abu Dhabi Challenge in creating momentum for the UAE's standing as a premier destination for international sport. The participation of players from around the world underscores the global community's confidence in the country's ability to host world-class events to the highest standards.