分类： sports

The DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates witnessed a heartwarming fusion of art and sport as young athletes from Heroes of Hope, a UAE-based non-profit sports academy for people of determination, collaborated with local abstract artist Rabab Tantawy to complete a stunning mural at the Earth Lounge. The vibrant artwork, located beside the 16th green, added a fresh and creative touch to the championship venue as it prepared to crown its 2025 champion from November 13–16. The mural, blending traditional oil paint with contemporary spray art techniques, symbolized the inclusive spirit of the event. The young participants, including Noah Evans, Thomas O’Brien, and Marwan Al Khaja, have been part of a golf coaching programme at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, a partnership between the DP World Tour and Heroes of Hope. This initiative aims to provide people of determination with opportunities to engage with golf both on and off the course. The programme culminated with a final lesson from one of the tournament’s leading players, offering the young athletes a memorable experience of the championship atmosphere. Noah, a Year 7 student at Dubai Heights Academy, shared his passion for golf, which he has been playing for three years alongside his father. His father, Tom, highlighted how the sport has boosted Noah’s confidence, hand-eye coordination, and overall well-being. The family expressed gratitude to Heroes of Hope, DP World, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, and the DP World Tour for their unwavering support, enabling Noah and his peers to participate in such enriching activities.

In a significant stride for golf development in the UAE, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy (TFA) has officially opened its doors at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This expansion marks a new chapter for the sport in the region, coinciding with the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The academy’s launch follows a comprehensive upgrade of Yas Links’ training facilities, now operating fully under the TFA brand. This move strengthens the partnership between Viya Golf and Tommy Fleetwood, one of golf’s most respected figures, and cements Yas Links’ reputation as a hub for golf excellence in the Middle East.

Tommy Fleetwood, the academy’s founder, expressed his deep connection to the UAE, describing it as a ‘second home’ for him and his family. He emphasized the academy’s mission to give back to the region that has supported his career. ‘We’ve built something truly special in Dubai, and expanding to Abu Dhabi is a privilege. I’m proud of the community we’ve created and the opportunity to inspire more golfers,’ Fleetwood said.

The new facility boasts cutting-edge technology, including two swing studios with advanced simulators, an indoor putting studio, and world-class training systems like PLATFORM Golf, Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and Sam PuttLab. These resources, combined with TFA’s proven player-development philosophy, aim to elevate golf performance at all levels.

Karl Whitehead, Cluster Manager at Viya Golf, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, ‘Abu Dhabi continues to lead in growing the game, and TFA’s expertise and technology will further enhance this vision.’ Chris May, CEO of Viya Golf, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the academy’s alignment with Viya’s commitment to excellence and player development.

The launch aligns with rising golf participation in Abu Dhabi, supported by expanded junior and ladies’ programs and the club’s largest-ever team of PGA professionals. As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship puts Yas Links on the global stage, the new academy underscores Viya’s mission to make golf more accessible, inclusive, and performance-driven across the Middle East.

In a groundbreaking move that underscores its long-term vision for global golf, DP World has announced a historic ten-year extension of its partnership with the DP World Tour. This landmark agreement, set to run until 2035, solidifies DP World’s role as the Title Partner and Official Logistics Partner of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, while also expanding its presence across 15 additional tournaments annually. The partnership, which began in 2022 with the rebranding of the European Tour to the DP World Tour, has already catalyzed unprecedented growth, with 42 tournaments spanning 26 countries, record prize funds, and a rapidly expanding global fan base. DP World’s commitment reflects its belief in golf’s potential to inspire, connect, and create opportunities worldwide. Initiatives like the DP World India Championship and sustainable projects such as the Second Life initiative, which repurposes shipping containers into training facilities, highlight the partnership’s focus on inclusivity and innovation. This collaboration, rooted in a shared vision since 2009, continues to redefine the future of golf, blending global trade with global sport to create a transformative impact.

As the global golfing community gears up for the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, featuring luminaries like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, the spotlight also shines brightly on Dubai’s social golf scene. The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 is poised to elevate the excitement with its upcoming Player Auction, scheduled for December 5, 2025, at The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club. This event marks a pivotal moment for the UAE’s premier franchise-based team competition, which has rapidly become a cornerstone of the region’s golfing calendar. Season 3 promises to be the most ambitious yet, with an expanded roster of 160 players across 10 teams, each comprising 16 golfers, including a mandatory inclusion of at least two female players. The Player Auction will see team principals and mentors vying to secure eight new players while retaining eight from the previous season, ensuring a balanced mix of skill across low, mid, and high handicap categories. Players eager to participate must register by December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. Those not selected at the auction will receive a full refund. Kunal Seth, Commissioner of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, emphasized the urgency for players to register, stating, “With fewer than three weeks to go, players must act now to secure their spot in what promises to be the most inclusive and competitive season yet.” The tournament will kick off on February 5, 2026, at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and will continue across four rounds at premier Dubai courses, culminating on May 7 at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club. The season will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony and an after-party, celebrating champions and standout performers. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, recognizing excellence, skill, and style on the course.

Tunisian tennis sensation Ons Jabeur, a former world number two and three-time Grand Slam finalist, has announced her pregnancy and an extended hiatus from professional tennis. The 31-year-old athlete, affectionately known as the ‘Minister of Happiness,’ revealed on Instagram that she is expecting a baby boy in April. Jabeur, currently ranked 79th, stated that she will temporarily step away from the sport to focus on her new family life.

Jabeur’s announcement comes as she reflects on her demanding tour schedule and her openness about battling depression amidst the pressures of professional tennis. With five WTA singles titles to her name, Jabeur’s decision highlights ongoing concerns about the strenuous tennis calendar and its impact on players’ mental and physical well-being.

Her Instagram post, which read, ‘I took a little break to reset and recharge … Turns out, we’ve been planning the cutest comeback ever,’ has been met with widespread support from fans and fellow athletes. Jabeur’s break from the sport marks a significant moment in her career, as she balances her professional achievements with her personal journey into motherhood.