emirates7 - Tom Phillips, Director of the Middle East at DP World Tour, stated that the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious and well-known tournaments on the DP World Tour. For 18 straight years, it has been a popular early-season event, drawing some of the world’s best golfers and highlighting the UAE as a premier golfing destination.
In comments to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he noted, “In close cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, we strategically decided to move the Championship from its usual January slot to November. This change aligns with our shared goal to enhance the tournament’s impact and boost its role in growing golf throughout the region.”
He added that recent adjustments to the global golf calendar provided a perfect opportunity to rethink the Championship’s positioning.
“By scheduling it alongside the DP World Tour Championship, we created a season-ending two-week period of top-tier golf in the UAE — a powerful storyline that increases fan interest, commercial opportunities, and raises the region’s profile amid a crowded sports calendar,” he explained.
Phillips emphasized that this new timing also strengthens the UAE’s reputation as a leading force in professional golf, with Abu Dhabi playing a key role in this development. The shift to November allows the event to gain greater exposure, build momentum, and be part of a larger golf festival.
He also announced a long-term collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation, highlighting, “This partnership builds on a relationship dating back to 1989 and demonstrates our joint dedication to supporting golf at both grassroots and elite levels.”
This alliance has already resulted in significant initiatives, including offering 30 player spots across two HotelPlanner Tour events—one in Abu Dhabi and another in Ajman—to help emerging Emirati golfers compete. Some of these places have been exchanged with other international federations, giving UAE players valuable experience in global tournaments.
Phillips concluded by celebrating a landmark achievement by Ahmad Skaik, the UAE’s leading amateur, who became the first UAE-born player to make the cut in a 72-hole professional tournament at this year’s UAE Challenge held at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club — a milestone reflecting the steady progress in the sport locally.
In comments to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he noted, “In close cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, we strategically decided to move the Championship from its usual January slot to November. This change aligns with our shared goal to enhance the tournament’s impact and boost its role in growing golf throughout the region.”
He added that recent adjustments to the global golf calendar provided a perfect opportunity to rethink the Championship’s positioning.
“By scheduling it alongside the DP World Tour Championship, we created a season-ending two-week period of top-tier golf in the UAE — a powerful storyline that increases fan interest, commercial opportunities, and raises the region’s profile amid a crowded sports calendar,” he explained.
Phillips emphasized that this new timing also strengthens the UAE’s reputation as a leading force in professional golf, with Abu Dhabi playing a key role in this development. The shift to November allows the event to gain greater exposure, build momentum, and be part of a larger golf festival.
He also announced a long-term collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation, highlighting, “This partnership builds on a relationship dating back to 1989 and demonstrates our joint dedication to supporting golf at both grassroots and elite levels.”
This alliance has already resulted in significant initiatives, including offering 30 player spots across two HotelPlanner Tour events—one in Abu Dhabi and another in Ajman—to help emerging Emirati golfers compete. Some of these places have been exchanged with other international federations, giving UAE players valuable experience in global tournaments.
Phillips concluded by celebrating a landmark achievement by Ahmad Skaik, the UAE’s leading amateur, who became the first UAE-born player to make the cut in a 72-hole professional tournament at this year’s UAE Challenge held at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club — a milestone reflecting the steady progress in the sport locally.