Abu Dhabi’s prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Club prepares to host the opening round of the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 on February 5, 2026, marking the return of the UAE’s premier corporate golf tournament. Ten elite teams comprising the nation’s top amateur golfers will commence their campaign at the region’s first ocean-front designed course, renowned for its challenging coastal winds and strategic hazards.
The competitive field features defending champions Noble Legacy Masters alongside inaugural winners Tristar Gladiators and eight other formidable squads: The A Team, Alpha Ninjas, Brain Dubai, Mayfair Chippies, Meteora Magicians, Shershaah Eagles, Sultans of Swing, and Three Comma Masters. Each organization has spent months refining rosters through meticulous handicap analysis and strategic pairing preparations.
Tournament Commissioner Kunal Seth noted the elevated competitive standards, stating: ‘The level of preparation and team strategies surpass previous seasons. Every franchise arrives with championship aspirations, recognizing that each round will critically impact the final standings.’
The four-tournament series will progress across the UAE’s most iconic courses following the Saadiyat opener: Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course (February 26, matchplay format), Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (April 2, best-ball Stableford), and concluding at Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo Course (May 7, individual Stableford).
Noble Legacy Masters co-owner Achal Ghai emphasized team cohesion as the decisive factor: ‘Our previous victory demonstrated that belief and trust create championship teams. We return with strengthened resolve and enhanced unity.’ Meanwhile, The A Team has incorporated new talent alongside experienced players under mentors Aman and Ayesha Chopra, adopting a philosophy balancing competitive excellence with camaraderie.
The opening round employs a specialized format where teams field two five-player squads, with the four highest Stableford scores from each group contributing to the cumulative team total. This structure emphasizes both individual skill and collective performance while testing adaptability to Saadiyat’s distinctive environmental challenges, including strategic bunkering and wildlife-preserved fairways occasionally shared with local gazelles.