Staff WriterIn a move that’s less tee-time and more turning point, the Arab Golf Federation has teed off its most ambitious initiative yet: the Elite Sports Scholarship Camp, aimed squarely at producing a new generation of Arab golf champions by 2035.
This isn’t just another junior golf weekend with orange slices at the turn—this is a full-throttle, high-performance pathway to the top tiers of international competition.
Held at Riyadh Golf Club, the four-day camp assembled 16 of the most promising under-18 players—boys and girls—from across the Arab world.
These rising stars didn’t just show up with shiny new clubs and wide-eyed dreams. They were handpicked based on their results in international and regional tournaments, already making waves well before being handed their official shirts.
The Arab Golf Federation, in collaboration with IMG Academy, has structured the Elite Camp like a boot camp for birdies—designed to test, polish, and ultimately propel the region’s most gifted junior golfers into the elite stratosphere of the sport.
Building Champions, Not Just Golfers
The camp rolled out in two calculated phases. The first two days were a crash course in comprehensive player assessment, with technical drills, physical and mental testing, and one-on-one interviews conducted by a team of specialised evaluators. Think sports science meets career day, with a side of iron play.
The final 48 hours dialled up the heat, simulating tournament conditions with back-to-back 18-hole rounds. Pressure, meet potential. This wasn’t just about who could swing the prettiest—it was about who could perform when it counted.
Those who make the final cut won’t just earn bragging rights—they’ll receive full scholarships to attend IMG Academy starting August 2025.
The program includes academic support, high-performance golf training, strength and conditioning, and mental coaching—all the tools needed to turn promise into podiums.
A Vision Rooted in Performance and Purpose
For H.E. Mr. Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, President of the Arab Golf Federation, this marks a decisive moment in the region’s sporting evolution: “The launch of the Elite Sports Scholarship program marks a key strategic step within our parallel path to building a fully competitive golf ecosystem in the Arab world,” he stated.
“While we continue to lay a strong and sustainable foundation locally, we are also committed to partnering with the best international institutions to provide world-class training and professional development for our promising young players… we will be able to rely entirely on our local capabilities and deliver a comprehensive Arab system for developing future champions.”
It’s clear the Federation is thinking big, but it’s also thinking smart. The scholarship camp is not a one-off media stunt but part of a broader multi-tiered strategy to develop talent and strengthen regional infrastructure—from grassroots to greatness.
Turning Point, Not Talking Point
Noah Alireza, Secretary-General of the Arab Golf Federation, put it plainly: “This camp represents a turning point in our journey to establish a clear competitive pathway for Arab golfers… we are laying a strong foundation for young Arab talents to rise to the top levels of the sport.”
“Through comprehensive assessment programs and strategic partnerships with leading institutions, the Federation is laying the groundwork for a promising future for golf in the Arab world, built on planning, professionalism, and investment in youth potential.”
This isn’t about short-term sparkle. It’s about long-haul transformation. The Arab Golf Federation isn’t just fielding future golfers—it’s constructing a regional legacy built on precision, planning, and passion.
And if these young players rise to the occasion, the Arab world won’t just be hosting tournaments—it’ll be winning them.
