The Emirates Golf Federation’s 2025-26 season is heading toward a dramatic conclusion, with the race for the Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit titles tightening across the men’s, ladies’ and junior divisions.
With several events still to play and only the best six results counting toward each player’s total, the standings remain wide open as competitors look to make a final push before the season-ending Order of Merit Championship.
Mullane heads up tight men’s race
Sam Mullane – Octavio Passos / Getty Images
Sam Mullane currently sits at the top of the men’s Order of Merit leaderboard, but the race remains far from settled. Oscar Craig and Mikail Pinto are close behind, keeping the pressure firmly on as the season enters its closing stretch.
With only six scores counting, the door remains open for movement across the leaderboard. In fact, every player currently inside the top ten remains within striking distance of claiming the season-long title.
Several players still have counting events remaining, which could prove decisive. Dominic Morton, Jay Mullane and Adrian Larsson all have opportunities to strengthen their totals with strong finishes in the remaining tournaments.
There is also significant incentive on offer. The winner of the men’s Order of Merit will receive three invitations to compete on the HotelPlanner Tour, while the runner-up will earn two starts.
Tufail leads strong ladies performances
The Ladies Order of Merit is also shaping up for an intriguing finish.
Sana Tufail currently holds a commanding lead after an impressive season that has included victories at the Al Zorah Amateur Open, Sharjah Ladies Open, Abu Dhabi City Open and the Yas Links Ladies Open at her home club.
However, several challengers still have events remaining that could impact the final standings. Aoife Kelly, Alayna Rafique, Leila McCallum and Sara Engsig all have opportunities to add further counting scores before the season concludes.
Rafique has been one of the standout performers in recent weeks, claiming back-to-back victories at the Dubai Creek Ladies Amateur Open and the Ras Al Khaimah Amateur Open.
The reward for the eventual winner is significant, with starts on the Ladies European Tour available, offering the UAE’s leading amateur players a pathway into professional competition.
Junior race building toward exciting finish
The Junior Order of Merit is also heading toward a competitive finale.
Rayan Ahmed – Ras Al Khaimah Amateur Open – Tommy Dickson
Rayan Ahmed currently holds a strong lead at the top of the standings, with Alexander Rushika in second place. With several events still to be played and the best six scores counting toward the final rankings, there remains plenty to play for across the junior calendar.
Keiran Gouri has been among the most consistent performers this season. He finished second at the Brighton College Junior Open at Arabian Ranches and also tied for second at the Yas Acres Junior Open in February. Gouri also produced strong performances in the AJGA Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series presented by DP World at both Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
In Girls Division A, Alayna Rafique leads the standings with UAE National Team player Aasiya Saleem close behind in second. Leia McCallum currently sits third and continues to establish herself as one of the most promising young players emerging within the UAE system, regularly competing across both junior and ladies events.
Busy March schedule ahead
The Order of Merit race continues throughout March with a full schedule of events across the UAE.
Upcoming tournaments include the Abu Dhabi Golf Club Men’s and Ladies’ Open, the Jumeirah Golf Estates Amateur Open, and the World WAGR Series event at Al Hamra.
Upcoming events
6–8 March – Abu Dhabi Golf Club Men’s & Ladies’ Open
8 March – Al Ain Junior Open
13–15 March – Jumeirah Golf Estates Amateur Open
15 March – Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Senior Open
20 March – Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Junior Open
22 March – Al Ain Ladies’ Open
22 March – Dubai Creek Junior Open
27–29 March – World WAGR Series, Al Hamra
Golf Sixes League expands across the UAE
Away from the elite amateur competitions, the Emirates Golf Federation’s junior development efforts continue to grow with the launch of the third season of the Golf Sixes League.
Golf Sixes League, UAE – Emirates Golf Federation
After two successful years in Abu Dhabi, the initiative has now expanded nationwide for the first time, introducing more children across the UAE to the game in a fun and team-based format.
Supported by The R&A, the Golf Sixes League is designed for young players who have not yet obtained an official handicap. The format provides an accessible entry point to golf, allowing beginners to experience playing on the course while developing confidence and basic skills alongside teammates.
The new season has already begun with competitive opening rounds.
In the Abu Dhabi League, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club leads the standings with 10 points, narrowly ahead of Yas Links Abu Dhabi on nine points, while the Emirates Golf Federation team sits third on eight points.
The Dubai and Northern Emirates League has also started strongly, with Claude Harmon III Academy taking first place with 10 points. Emaar Golf Clubs secured second place on countback ahead of Emirates Golf Club after a tightly contested opening round.
Neal Graham, Development Manager for the Middle East, Central Asia and India at The R&A, welcomed the continued growth of the programme.
“It’s great to see the roll out the Golf Sixes program across the UAE. We have tracked its success in the first two years in Abu Dhabi, and to see the league grow is only going to be beneficial for the game and the development of young talent here in the UAE.”
With participation continuing to grow and more clubs joining the programme, the Golf Sixes League is playing an increasingly important role in developing the next generation of golfers in the UAE.
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Main Image: Emirates Golf Federation