The anticipation for Season 3 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC), a groundbreaking tournament uniting 160 top amateur golfers across 10 franchise teams, kicks off this week. The UAE golf community is preparing for an intense Player Auction.
On Friday, 5th December 2025 at 6:00 PM, The Pavilion at Emirates Golf Club will host this strategic event, where team owners will bid for 84 coveted spots from a pool of 100 players in the UAE’s first corporate golf league auction.
The UGC is a four-day competition, taking place on four of the UAE’s top courses:
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Day 1 – 5 February: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
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Day 2 – 15 February: Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
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Day 3 – 2 April: Dubai Creek Resort
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Day 4 – 7 May: Faldo Course, Emirates Golf Club
With 350 rounds planned over the four days, team composition is crucial. The Player Auction will set the tone for the season, as wise team owners know that the right player mix could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Auction Highlights
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Total Players Available: 84
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Average Handicap: 11
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Lowest Handicap: 0 | Highest Handicap: 25.4
Handicap Categories for Team Composition
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Low Handicap – min. 4 players
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Mid Handicap – min. 4 players
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High Handicap – min. 4 players
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Any Category – min. 4 players
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Ladies – min. 2 players (any handicap)
Each franchise team consists of 16 players: 8 selected by the owner and 8 acquired at the auction, ensuring strategic team building across all categories. Players must have a valid EGF handicap, be UAE residents for 6+ months, and participate in at least one tournament day.
The UGC provides amateurs the chance to experience golf in a new way, competing in team-based Stableford and matchplay formats, with professional uniforms, striving for:
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The prestigious UGC trophy for the winning team
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Championship medals for the top three teams
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Daily best performer awards and category-specific recognition
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Professional highlight reels and networking opportunities
“We’re excited to launch Season 3 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge with Friday’s Player Auction, setting the stage for what promises to be the most thrilling and competitive UGC season yet,” said UGC Commissioner, Kunal Seth.
Importance of the Auction
The Player Auction is more than just selection; it’s where strategy meets execution. Team owners will evaluate handicaps, past performances, and potential synergies to secure the ideal mix of talent.
With the UGC’s innovative format, the right player combination could excel on all four courses, making the auction a key event leading up to an exciting and memorable 2026 Ultimate Golf Challenge.
