RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — 24 June 2025 — In a significant move aimed at reshaping the future of golf in the Middle East and North Africa, the Arab Golf Federation (AGF) has launched its Elite Sports Scholarship Initiative, a high-impact player development program designed to fast-track the region’s most promising young golfers onto the international stage by 2035.
The program officially kicked off with a four-day Elite Scholarship Camp, hosted at Riyadh Golf Club, which drew 16 of the Arab world’s top under-18 male and female players. Participants were selected based on competitive rankings and performances in regional and international events, representing a new wave of emerging golf talent from across the Arab region.
In collaboration with global sports education leader IMG Academy, the initiative reflects the AGF’s broader strategy to establish a sustainable performance pipeline rooted in global best practices. The most successful participants will be awarded full scholarships to join IMG Academy’s elite golf program in August 2025, gaining access to world-class coaching, academic support, and cutting-edge sports science services.
The Riyadh camp was divided into two core phases. The first featured detailed technical assessments, fitness and psychological testing, and personal interviews conducted by a specialised international evaluation panel. The second phase replicated tournament conditions over two 18-hole competitive rounds, allowing selectors to assess player performance under pressure.
The structured approach not only identifies high-potential athletes but also provides them with a benchmarked development experience aligned with global standards in elite junior golf training.
(Noah Alireza the Secretary-General of the Arab Golf Federation pictured at a press conference ahead of the Elite Sports Scholarship Camp in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Arab Golf Federation President H.E. Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan underscored the strategic importance of the initiative:
“The launch of the Elite Sports Scholarship program is a critical component of our dual-track strategy—building a strong domestic foundation while forging international partnerships that empower our players to reach world-class levels. Our commitment is long-term, and this initiative is the clearest signal yet of our ambition to create a truly competitive Arab golf ecosystem.”
AGF Secretary-General Noah Alireza echoed the sentiment, calling the program “a transformative step” in the Federation’s mission to build a clear and credible competitive pathway for Arab golfers.
“By combining global expertise with a rigorous talent ID process, we’re setting the stage for the next generation of Arab champions. This is not just a camp—it’s a launchpad for long-term success and professional achievement.”
The Elite Sports Scholarship Camp is a cornerstone of the AGF’s evolving performance framework, which includes grassroots development, regional tournament integration, and now, structured international scholarship opportunities. The Federation’s ultimate goal: to cultivate homegrown talent capable of contending at the highest levels of the sport, from collegiate golf to the global professional tours.
With a 10-year vision targeting global competitiveness, the AGF’s approach is both ambitious and meticulously planned, placing investment in youth and international collaboration at the heart of its growth model.
As the Arab golf market continues to mature, this latest move by the Federation highlights a growing emphasis across the region on building not just world-class events, but also world-class athletes.
