Hero Dubai Desert Classic Hosts Industry Leaders At The R&A Women In Golf Community Day

Women’s golf community leaders and players from across the UAE came together in Dubai for The R&A Women in Golf Community Day, supported by the Emirates Golf Federation, held alongside the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The dedicated development event welcomed 40 participants committed to growing participation and strengthening pathways for women and girls in golf.

Representatives from Lady Links, Chicks with Sticks, The Birdie Club UAE, Birdies Connect, Girls on Tour, the Emirates Golf Club Ladies Group and Emirati golfers took part in a programme designed to encourage collaboration, share best practice and support sustainable growth in the women’s game.

Participants began the day on course with a Golf Sixes Mini League, played in a six-person scramble format that promoted inclusion, teamwork and enjoyment. Team Slice Slice Baby claimed the top spot following a lively and competitive start.

The on-course activity was followed by a rules seminar delivered by R&A Rules Official Jim Gough, who provided practical demonstrations and an interactive question-and-answer session aimed at building confidence and understanding of the Rules of Golf.

A moderated group discussion, led by Trisha Kumar, Golf Services Manager at Dubai Creek Resort, brought together community leaders Gillian Smart, Louise Whaites and Harriet Allen, who shared insight into how their initiatives have grown, the communities they have created and the challenges they have overcome.

A second panel discussion featured Neal Graham, Development Manager of the Middle East, Central Asia and India of The R&A, Kieren Pratt, Director of Operations at the Emirates Golf Federation, PGA Professional and content creator Georgia Ball, and Swati Donega, founder of Birdies Connect in Delhi. The conversation explored global participation trends, The R&A’s commitment to opening golf to the world, opportunities for collaboration with the EGF, and the importance of creating enjoyable, confidence-building experiences for women entering the sport.

The programme also included a Master Classic Clinic led by coaches Amy Millward, Siddhi Kapoor, Georgia Ball and Ellie Skoog, delivering an interactive, hands-on session focused on the fundamentals of the sport.

The event was honoured by the attendance of General Abdulla Al Hashmi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation, who praised the collective efforts of the women’s golf community.

“The passion and commitment shown by these groups is inspiring,” he said. “The EGF is dedicated to working closely with women’s golf communities to create more opportunities and ensure the game continues to grow across the UAE.”

Neal Graham, Development Manager for the Middle East, Central Asia and India at The R&A, highlighted the importance of collaboration in supporting the sustainable growth of women’s golf in the UAE.

“Women’s golf is continuing to grow strongly in the UAE, and events like this play an important role in that progress. The R&A is committed to working with federations, championships, facilities and community groups to create welcoming, inclusive environments that encourage more women and girls to get into golf and stay in the game. Bringing these groups together strengthens collaboration, supports clear participation pathways and helps ensure the long-term, sustainable growth of women’s golf across the UAE.”

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said the event reflected the tournament’s commitment to inclusion.

“As a tournament, we are deeply committed to making the world of golf more inclusive and opening the sport to new and aspiring players. That commitment is at the heart of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and it’s why we invest in initiatives such as the Junior Dubai Desert Classic and this dedicated women’s community event. Bringing these groups together showcases the strength of the golfing community and the passion that is driving participation forward. The energy and engagement we’ve seen reinforces our belief that the future of women’s golf in the UAE is incredibly bright.”

The day concluded with General Al Hashmi and Neal Graham presenting prizes to the winners of the Golf Sixes Mini League, closing an inspiring and productive event focused on connection, development, and the continued advancement of women’s golf in the UAE.