Emirates Golf Federation announces inaugural Test Match against Scotland on 3rd December at Yas Links Golf Club
The Emirates Golf Federation announced yesterday that the UAE national team will compete against Scotland in an International Test Match at Yas Links Golf Club on Saturday 3rd December 2011.
Announced shortly after Scotland’s success in the Sheikh Rashid Trophy, where Daniel Hendry and Greig Marchbank finished first and third respectively, the International Test Match provides another opportunity for the UAE’s top players to challenge some of the best amateurs in the world.
The Test Match is part of ‘The Home of Golf in the UAE’ programme which is a long term initiative between ‘The Home of Golf’ – Scotland, and the Emirates Golf Federation to develop golfing talent in the UAE.
The Test Match will feature the top six amateur players from each country in a one day 36 hole competition, played at the most Scottish of all golf courses in the region, Yas Links Golf Club. Held shortly after UAE National Day, it will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the developments the Emirates Golf Federation has made since it was founded in 1996.
Adel Zarouni, Secretary General of Emirates Golf Federation said: “We may not have the history of Scottish golf, but we are delighted to celebrate the progress we’ve made in a short period.
“I’m delighted about the partnership we are building with the Scottish Golf Union and their commitment to support golf in this country.”
“The Test Match is a fantastic opportunity for the national team to compete against some of the best amateurs in the world”, added Chris Vallender, UAE National Team Coach.
“It will be a great challenge and I’m sure it’s one they will relish.”
This is the second year the Scottish national team have used the UAE as a winter training base, with the support of the Emirates Golf Federation.
Steve Paulding, Performance Manager of the Scottish Golf Union said, “We are thrilled that the Emirates Golf Federation continue to welcome us to the UAE and to some of the best facilities in the world.
“The Test Match gives the Scottish team a real incentive to train hard over the coming weeks and I know the squad are looking forward to the challenge, especially on the fantastic course at Yas Links.”
Chris White, General Manager of Yas Links Golf Club added, “We are delighted to host the inaugural event.
“Yas Links is a fitting venue for the Test Match. The first links course in the region; it will provide a real challenge for both teams.”
The Scottish national squad, who are sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management who are further supporting the team’s travel to the UAE, are training at Yas Links Golf Club, the Host Venue for ‘The Home of Golf in the UAE’ from 19th November – 15th December. The squad are also supported by Centro Yas Island Hotel, the perfect location for the squad while they are based at Yas.
You can follow ‘The Home of Golf in the UAE’ on twitter @HomeofGolfUAE.
