The official Golf Federation announced yesterday a new chapter in the sport's history as national team star Ahmed Skik transitions to compete in the professional category following a distinguished amateur career marked by significant local and international achievements. Today, Skik embarks on his first official stop in the professional world by participating in the 'Mena for Golf' tour in Portugal through the 'Arboura' tournament, where he will compete against a select group of players from various nationalities. Skik expressed his readiness for the transition to professionalism, stating in press remarks: 'Moving to professional golf is the culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and challenges. I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved with the national team, and today I am more prepared than ever to take on the biggest challenge in the professional world.' He added: 'This step would not have been possible without the support I received from my family, the Emirates Golf Federation, and everyone who believed in my abilities. I pledge to be a worthy ambassador for the UAE in every tournament I participate in and to exert every effort to achieve honorable results.' He concluded: 'My ambitions are high, aiming to compete at the highest levels, pave the way for young Emirati players to trust in their capabilities, and prove that reaching the international stage is possible and that Emirati golf can produce champions.' At 28 years old, Skik's move confirms the remarkable development the sport is witnessing locally and the high hopes placed on Emirati talents to achieve success. Last month, Skik achieved one of his best results in the amateur category by participating creditably in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Championship held at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, where he finished in 13th place overall with a score of seven under par. The Golf Federation confirmed that Ahmed Skik has honorably represented Emirati golf for 10 years in major continental and international tournaments, bringing the sport remarkable achievements, most notably a gold medal at the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship in Saudi Arabia after he set a record score of 18 under par, the highest in the tournament's history. Skik also participated in multiple Asia-Pacific amateur championships, represented the country in World Championships (Eisenhower Cup), and in the most prestigious Asian tournament (Nomura Cup).
Ahmed Skik: • My ambitions are great, I want to compete at the highest levels, and open the way for young Emirati players to trust in their abilities.
