The UAE achieved a significant milestone at the 2025 World Amateur Golfers Championships (WAGC) in South Korea, securing their first-ever medal as James Yeomans clinched bronze in the challenging Gross Overall Division.
China emerged as the WAGC team champions, with Malaysia earning silver and the Philippines taking bronze. The UAE secured 27th place overall, buoyed by their historic individual medal.
This year’s WAGC Grand Final, held on the stunning courses of Jeju Island, featured 450 golfers from over 40 nations, all competing in four intense days of medal play.
Over 50,000 golfers worldwide vied for qualification, underscoring the significance of Yeomans’ achievement for UAE amateur golf.
Team UAE fielded one of the largest contingents in the championship, with 30 players qualifying through the 2024–25 Race to Korea series. The national program has rapidly fostered a thriving community, growing from 20 UAE finalists in 2023 to 24 last year, and now 30 at this year’s Grand Final.
Yeomans’ medal was the pinnacle of the UAE’s campaign, but several other players were close to expanding the medal count. Damien Flood, a three-time global finalist, and Victoria Johnson narrowly missed a podium finish in the Mixed Pairs by one shot, while Russell Yeomans was just one stroke away in the Super Seniors Division.
Reflecting on this achievement, Russell Yeomans, S2B Founder and promoter of the Race to Korea in the UAE, shared: “This event grows every year. It was fantastic to see James secure our first medal, celebrated joyfully by our team, who thoroughly enjoyed this unique amateur golfing event. It truly is an Olympic Games-like experience.”
The UAE’s WAGC journey continues with the first qualifier for next season on 23 November 2025 at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, Ajman, which will also host the 2026 National Final of the Race to Malaysia presented by Dugasta on 9 May 2026.
The next year’s WAGC Grand Final will take place in Desaru, Malaysia, and UAE entries for the qualifying rounds are now open.
Players can register for the first qualifier at:
https://rtd-alzorah.golfgenius.com/
