The Clutch Pro Tour has returned to the UAE with an expanded schedule, starting at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. Featuring seven MENA events, including Oman and Morocco, it offers a £50,000 prize and reflects the Middle East’s growing passion for golf.
The much-anticipated MENA leg of the Clutch Pro Tour is underway at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting, and Golf Club in the UAE. This prestigious event, the UK and Europe’s leading development tour, has returned to MENA stronger than ever, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both professional golfers and the region’s rapidly growing golf community.
“We are impressed to have attracted a full field of 156 players to play at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the UAE,” Tom Hayward, CEO, Clutch Pro told the regional publication Gulfnews.
The tournament in Abu Dhabi is the first of seven events planned across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a big expansion from the two UAE events held in 2024.
After the UAE Championship, the tour will move to Oman for two tournaments at LA VIE Golf Club and the Greg Norman-designed Al Mouj Golf in Muscat. After a short return to the UK, the Clutch Pro Tour will head to Morocco for two more tournaments at Al Houara Golf Club in Tangier, marking its first event in North Africa.
According to Golf Digest Middle East, the Clutch Pro Tour’s expansion aligns with the region’s increasing appetite for the sport. As golf gains momentum in the MENA region, the tour’s presence provides a unique opportunity for local and international golfers to showcase their skills while also fostering a vibrant golf culture.
The Clutch Pro Tour, founded in 2019, has quickly established itself as a leading development circuit in global golf. With Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) accreditation and official satellite status to the European Tour’s HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour, it has become a sought-after platform for emerging talent. The
The decision to bring the Clutch Pro Tour to the UAE reflects the region’s growing passion for golf and its ambition to be recognized as a premier golfing destination. The Middle East’s impressive infrastructure, coupled with government support and world-class courses, makes it an ideal location for professional events. The UAE, in particular, has become a hub for international golf, hosting prestigious tournaments such as the DP World Tour Championship.
The Clutch Pro Tour’s appeal lies not only in its competitive format but also in the opportunities it offers. The UAE Championship at Al Ain offers a prize fund of £50,000 (approx. AED 238,000), with the winner securing an invite to next month’s HotelPlanner Tour event, also in Al Ain. This lucrative incentive has drawn local talents and international hopefuls alike
The tour’s collaboration with Visit Morocco reflects its broader strategy to enhance the global presence of the circuit while also promoting golf tourism. Hayward, a key figure behind the Clutch Pro Tour, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “We’re looking forward to visiting Morocco as part of our International Series and showcasing the incredible country.”
The Clutch Pro Tour’s arrival in the UAE and broader MENA region is more than just a sporting event—it’s a strategic move that aligns with the region’s long-term vision of becoming a global sporting hub.
According to a KPMG Golf Benchmark Survey, golf courses in the Middle East generate significantly higher revenues than their European counterparts, driven by tourism and expatriate interest. This economic success, paired with the excitement generated by high-stakes tournaments, is transforming the region’s reputation in the golfing world.
However, the rise of golf in the MENA region comes with its own set of challenges, particularly around sustainability and the sport’s high costs. In a region where water is a precious resource, the demand for irrigating vast expanses of grass poses a significant sustainability hurdle. Many golf courses rely on desalinated water, which is both energy-intensive and costly, raising questions about the long-term viability of such practices.
Yet, the success of previous UAE events proves that the passion for golf outweighs these obstacles. Local governing bodies like the Emirates Golf Federation continue to support the sport’s growth, and international collaborations further enhance the region’s profile.
As the Clutch Pro Tour sets its sights on Oman and Morocco in the coming weeks, the excitement continues to build. The tour will return to the UAE in October, with an event at Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman, before culminating with the Tour Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah.
