Saeed Albudoor new UGA general manager

Saeed, the first UAE national to host the coveted post, brings wealth of experience to the apex body, having played a leading role in successfully implementing many programmes aimed at promoting the game in the country during his short stint with the UGA and Dubai Desert Classic as Business Development Manager between 2005 and 2007.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, the chairman of the UGA, said:

"With his youthful exuberance and administrative skills, I am sure Saeed will take the UGA forward and bring more glory to an organisation responsible for streamlining the golfing affairs in the country. With his innovative ideas and off-the-wall thinking, Saeed has also contributed immensely in staging of the premier Dubai Desert Classic. Saeed has the right credentials for the job and his appointment reflects our (UGA) drive to settle for nothing short of excellence when it comes to running the affairs of the apex body."

"This new role presents an opportunity for Saeed to take on new challenges at a time when the golfing boom is picking up steam in the UAE with the construction of new courses. I wish Saeed and his team the very best and he can always count on our support in making the UAE the destination of golf," he added.



"I consider working for UGA as an exciting opportunity. We, at the UGA, will strive to create more playing opportunities for golfers, both national and expatriates, to hone their competitive edge,"said saeed.

"There is no dearth of talent in the country and it showed in the performance of the UAE team when they won the Pan Arab Championship last year. The UAE team is currently in Australia for the Eisenhower Trophy which will be held at Adelaide from October 16 to 18 and this international exposure will only help raise the confidence of the players." he added

"We are also working on plans to make our junior development programmes and order of merit events more appealing to the golfers," said Saeed.

The UGA's Junior Development Programme, better known by its acronym JDP, has produced players like Khalid Yousuf - the first UAE national ever to achieve scratch handicap and feature in the Dubai Desert Classic last year.

The UGA handicap Scheme Golf Days meant for golfers who are not members of the clubs, but are enrolled with the UGA have played an important role in spreading the popularity of the game, both among the nationals and the expatriates.

In addition to regular golf days players can, subject to standard, attain a handicap according to Congu (Councils of National Golf Unions).

The UGA have also initiated an Order of Merit for both male and female golfers (seniors and juniors). Points are awarded on the basis of their performances in select tournaments to crown the champion.

With Saeed Al Budoor leading an outstanding team composed of local talent as well as international expertise, UAE golf is set to scale new heights.