The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has announced the national expansion of the Golf Sixes League, UAE for the 2026 season. Following two successful seasons limited to Abu Dhabi, the program is now rolling out across the United Arab Emirates.
The initiative features two separate leagues—one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi—where teams representing the EGF and various golf clubs nationwide will compete over the coming months. The top-performing teams will qualify for The Abu Dhabi Challenge in April.
Golf Sixes League is a junior development program developed and supported by The R&A in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation. It introduces young participants to golf through a fun, inclusive, and mildly competitive setting. Each team consists of a squad of 14 players (typically juniors), who rotate to field a team of six for each round. The competition uses a two-ball Texas scramble stroke-play format played over six holes: players form three pairs, and the best two scores from those pairs contribute to the team's overall score. The top three teams from each pool advance to the final.
Preliminary rounds will take place at six host venues, all of which have waived green fees for participants to support the program:
Cameron Van Rooyen, Director of Instruction at the EGF, highlighted the program's value: “This League is proving to be a significant stepping stone for our junior golfers to experience competition at a level that is fun, inclusive and less intimidating. We truly believe that having this within our EGF playing pathway will not only develop rising stars but feed the golfing community for the future.”
Neal Graham, The R&A's Development Manager for the Middle East, Central Asia, and India, added: “The R&A is delighted to support the Emirates Golf Federation with a national rollout across the United Arab Emirates. Golf Sixes League is a proven worldwide development initiative which encourages new golfers into the sport in a fun, competitive way. It allows young people to bring their newfound skills from the lesson tee onto the course in an encouraging and inclusive team environment.”
This expansion aims to broaden access to structured junior golf, helping to grow participation and talent across the UAE.
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