Emirati professional golfer Ahmad Skaik approaches the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School in Hua Hin, Thailand, with a warrior’s mentality, describing the five-round tournament as both “a marathon and a war.” The event, held at the challenging Lake View Resort and Golf Club, represents a critical juncture in Skaik’s nascent professional career, where 200 competitors vie for merely 35 coveted tour cards for the 2026 season.
The qualifying structure presents a formidable test of endurance and skill across four distinct courses (A, B, C, and D), with initial cuts after 36 holes and a final elimination after 72 holes. With a modest prize fund of $15,000 overshadowed by the life-changing opportunity of tour membership, the competition demands both physical excellence and mental fortitude.
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Skaik revealed his strategic approach to the high-pressure environment. “I feel very confident. The game is in a good place,” stated the recently turned professional, emphasizing the importance of process-oriented thinking. “You just go out there, play one shot at a time. Stick to the process, stay patient, and see where that puts you.”
Skaik provided insightful analysis of the course conditions, noting the particularly challenging greens. “They are nice but very sloppy and quick, so you gotta miss them in the right spots, or else it’s almost like a guaranteed bogey.” His strategy involves calculated aggression: taking advantage of par fives and shorter par fours while exercising caution on more demanding holes.
The psychological dimension of the tournament remains paramount in Skaik’s preparation. Recognizing the extended nature of the competition, he emphasizes patience as a weapon: “You cannot win it from the first day. It’s gonna take every day as it goes.”
For Skaik, qualification represents more than personal achievement—it embodies the realization of a professional dream. “This is why we play, to be on such big tours and to hopefully win tournaments there,” he expressed, acknowledging that Asian Tour status would constitute “a very big step towards achieving my dreams.”
While honored to represent the United Arab Emirates on the international stage, Skaik maintains a focused perspective: “When I’m on the golf course, I just think about what I’m doing… I cannot put added pressure, or think about who’s watching.” This balanced approach between national pride and individual concentration may prove decisive in his quest for one of the precious 35 tour cards.