Sheikh Fahim to head new U.G.A. Board

H.E. Sheikh Fahim Al Qassimi will head the new-look board of directors which includes Tariq Baker, Abdulla Al Naboodah, Adel Zarouni, Khalid Mubarak, Mohammed Al Musharrekh and Darwish Al Qubaisi.

Adel Zarouni, a well-known face on the domestic golf circuit, was voted as the secretary-general while Khalid Mubarak will be the treasure of the apex body.

"The popularity of golf has risen rapidly since the UAE Golf Association came into being in 1995," said Sheikh Fahim, lauding the commitment and vision of the previous board which was headed by Mohamed Ali Alabbar.

"Today, the UAE is fondly referred to as the golfing capital of the region with a number of championship courses dotting the landscape of emirates and attracting a constant flow of tourists throughout the year," he said.

"That is an ample reflection on the hard work done by the previous board. They have set a benchmark and we will do our best to raise the bar," said Sheikh Fahim, who also congratulated the new board members and wished them all the success in achieving new goals.

"For any sport to flourish, it is important that we promote the game at the grassroots level. We are in the process of giving a new shape to the junior programme which will run parallel to the several new initiatives being launched by the UGA to attract more UAE nationals, in particular, to the game.

"We are also very keen to strengthening our working relationships with different clubs in the UAE. We believe the clubs have a role to play and we look forward to their continued support in implementing our new programmes," he said.

"Our national teams have done well on the regional circuit, winning the Arab Junior Championships, but they need to be more consistent. The new board will try and expose the teams to different national and international tournaments to hone their competitive edge," added Sheikh Fahim.

"Two European PGA Tour events - The Dubai Desert Classic and Abu Dhabi Golf Championship -- have further added to the profile of the country. And the new Race to Dubai which will culminate in the first World Championship will be the icing on the cake.

"And we, at the UGA, feel the exploits and presence of international stars will only motivate and inspire the local talent to take to the sport.

"Golf is the future of all sports here," he said. "The UGA now boasts a membership close to 6,000, the sheer number amply reflecting on the popularity of the game both among the nationals and expatriates."

The UGA Handicap Scheme Golf Days -- meant for golfers who are not members of the clubs, but are enrolled with the UGA -- have proved to be the catalyst in spreading the game.

In addition to regular golf days players, subject to their standards, can attain a handicap according to Congu (Council of National Golf Union). The Junior Development Programme, supported by the UGA, is another facility that blends preparatory courses with intensive, high-level golf instructions from professional golfers.

The UGA is also credited with initiating an Order of Merit for both male and female golfers. Points are awarded on the basis of their performances in select tournaments to crown the champions.