As global sports fans focus on the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, starring Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, excitement is brewing locally within Dubai’s social golf scene.
The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 gears up for its Player Auction, just under three weeks away, with anticipation already in the air.
The UAE’s leading franchise-based team competition returns in March 2026, offering larger fields, new venues, and the excitement that makes UGC a must-watch for social golfers. After two successful seasons crowning the Petrochem Condors and the Noble Legacy Masters, Season 3 will feature 160 players across 10 powerhouse teams, each with 16 male and female golfers.
The high-stakes Player Auction at The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club, on December 5 will set the stage for UGC Season 3. Team principals and mentors will bid to secure 8 new players while retaining 8 from last season, balancing skills across low, mid, and high handicap categories, and ensuring at least two female players per team for strategy, teamwork, and competitive balance.
Players hurry to register before the December 1 deadline with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility requires a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency of at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. Players not selected at the auction will receive a full refund. Social golfers across the UAE are rushing to secure their spots in what promises to be the most inclusive and competitive season yet.
Kunal Seth, Commissioner of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, said: “With less than three weeks until the UGC Player Auction, players should register now or risk missing out on Season 3 action.
“In just two seasons, UGC has become a standout franchise-based golf competition, uniting the UAE’s top amateur talent. This season, we’re taking it further, with new venues, an expanded player roster, and a social golf experience bigger and more exciting than ever.”
The UGC kicks off at the stunning Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course, providing the perfect setting for the season opener on February 5, 2026. The tournament continues across four rounds at premier Dubai courses, concluding on May 7 at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club, with prizes and an after-party to celebrate champions and standout performers.
Prizes & Recognition
Top 3 Teams: Celebrating champions who excelled
Outstanding Individuals: Honoring standout players from top teams
Daily Brilliance Awards: Best Performance of the Day at each round
Best Lady Golfer: Recognizing skill and style on the course
Key Dates – UGC Season 3:
Registration Closes: 1 December 2025
Player Auction: Friday, 5 December 2025, 6:00 PM @ The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club
Tournament action
Round 1: Thursday, 5 February 2026 @ Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Round 2: Thursday, 26 February 2026 @ Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Round 3: Thursday, 2 April 2026 @ Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Round 4: Thursday, 7 May 2026 @ Faldo Course, Emirates Golf Club
Prize Distribution & After-Party: Thursday, 7 May 2026, 6:30 PM @ The Pavilion
