The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, with UAE golfers Sam Mullane and Ahmad Skaik making a strong impression in the opening round. Mullane, making his debut, carded an impressive 67, tying for fourth place with six birdies and one bogey. Skaik, a seasoned participant in his seventh championship appearance, finished just one stroke behind with a 68, highlighted by a remarkable streak of four consecutive birdies. However, a double bogey on his final hole slightly marred his otherwise stellar performance. The UAE duo’s familiarity with the course, having practiced up to three times a week leading up to the event, played a crucial role in their success. Mullane expressed confidence in their ability to compete, stating, ‘There’s no reason why one of us can’t win it.’ The championship, featuring 120 players from 41 countries, saw Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee, Australia’s Billy Dowling, and Vietnam’s Khanh Hung Le sharing the lead with six-under 66s. The event, held on the Majlis Course, will continue with the second round on Friday, narrowing the field to the top 60 players for the weekend’s final rounds. Additionally, it was announced that the 17th edition of the championship will take place in New Zealand in 2026, with officials praising the venue as a ‘fantastic test of golf in a spectacular location.’
UAE duo make strong start at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club
