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• Abu Dhabi to host two Challenge Tour golf championships

13 April 2023

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Abu Dhabi is set to host The Challenge Tour in the UAE for the first time in five years with two events showcasing golf’s next generation of talent, along with a host of local players bidding to shine on the big stage.

The two events, the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on 27-30 April 2023, and the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on 4-7 May 2023, are part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), which aims to develop golf in the UAE for at least the next decade.

Thirty spots in each tournament will be allocated to the EGF to help create playing opportunities and provide a pathway for Emirati golfers. The EGF can also trade these places with other federations across the world to give their players an opportunity to play in Challenge Tour events overseas.

Excitement is starting to build ahead of the Challenge Tour’s return to the UAE for the first time in five years, with Emirati number one Ahmed Skaik raring to go after a year-long injury lay-off.

Skaik, who will be playing both tournaments, is aiming to replicate the form that saw him play his way into the history books just four months before injuring a disc in his lower back, which kept him out of competitive action for a year.

The UAE National fired the lowest DP World Tour round by an Emirati on the opening day of the 2021 AVIV Dubai Championship, with an impressive four under par 68 on the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Skaik said: “I’m very excited to get out there and play. I’ve obviously played at Abu Dhabi Golf Club many times and during the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, so I’m looking forward to seeing how they will set the course up for a Challenge Tour event.

“Playing in tournaments like this will help my game, especially coming back from injury. It gives me vital experience of playing in bigger events and under pressure which then helps me deal with pressure in some of the smaller events.”

While the Emirates Golf Federation has 30 spots to use in each tournament, they can elect to trade these places with other federations across the world to give UAE players the opportunity to play in Challenge Tour events overseas, with Skaik expected to play five more additional tournaments on this year’s Road to Mallorca.

The Emirati star will go up against the likes of Road to Mallorca leader Ugo Coussaud, who catapulted to the top of the rankings with victory at last month’s The Challenge presented by KGA, and Matteo Manassero, who remains the youngest winner in DP World Tour history with victory in the 2010 Castello Masters at 17 years and 188 days.

Akram Skaik, Director General of Emirates Golf Federation, said: “The first step for the EGF was signing a long-term partnership with the European Tour group last year and the second step was to bring the Challenge Tour back to the UAE.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to give local players the experience of playing in big tournaments like this, ensuring they get an understanding and exposure to competing against professional players.”

Freddie Schmeisser, Head of Championships at DP World Tour Middle East, said: “We’re delighted to bring the Challenge Tour back to the UAE for these two fantastic events which form a key part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation aimed at growing the game of golf in this country at all levels.

“It’s fantastic that UAE-based players are getting the opportunity to play with up and coming stars on the Challenge Tour, who are all fighting for a DP World Tour card. The experience they are going to gain is priceless and having back-to-back events elevates that even more. Our players from the UAE know both courses better than anybody so we’re hoping they can use that to their advantage.”

Golf fans in the Middle East are encouraged to come down to both events to support Skaik and the stars of tomorrow with entry free of charge and no ticket required.

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Five Aussies begin European Tour season in Abu Dhabi

After a wait of more than three months five of Australia’s European Tour contingent return to tournament golf this week at the Abu Dhabi Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates.

The disruption to the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia summer of golf and associated border closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have meant precious little competitive golf for our elite European Tour regulars, member comps and range time their only outlet to prepare for another year on tour.

Not counting the Majors and WGC events, the European Tour has currently scheduled 33 tournaments for 2021 starting in Abu Dhabi at the Peter Harradine designed layout that is yet to crown an Australian champion.

As Europe continues to struggle to control the spread of COVID-19, Wade Ormsby is simply grateful that the Tour has conducted itself in such a way that enables players to compete again.

“We got a long e-mail mapping out the state of play for the next three weeks in the desert,” said Ormsby, who got a taste of tournament play at the Blitz Golf Glenelg event in Adelaide two weeks ago.

“The tour have done a great job with all the testing and making sure everything is as tight as possible.

“Yes, it’s going to be quite tight but they have to do that with the new strain of the virus about.

“Luckily we don’t touch back down in mainland Europe until the end of April in Portugal so we’ve still got time up our sleeve for them to get things more under control.”

Ormsby waited until eight weeks into the European Tour’s resumption before he rejoined the tour in August last year and was immediately impressed by the way in which the Tour kept players and support staff safe.

“Any change to the way you normally do things you don’t really like it but on reflection they did a great job with the way they made it all happen and got as many events in as they possibly did in a safe manner,” said Ormsby, who is waiting to hear when he will get the chance to defend his 2020 Hong Kong Open title.

“Everyone wants it the old way but that’s not the world we’re living in at the moment. We’ve just got to be happy that the tour has done such a great job getting events on and spent a lot of money on testing and keeping everyone safe.

“We’ve had so few positive tests even of people entering the bubble which just shows they are doing everything thoroughly and safely.”

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Lucas Herbert has just one start to shake off three months of rust before the defence of his Omega Dubai Desert Classic crown while 2020 ISPS HANDA Vic Open champion Min Woo Lee will be playing his first tournament since the Scottish Championship in mid-October.

Jason Scrivener’s last appearance was the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown in November, the game’s most well-travelled golfer Scott Hend last played in Dubai in the first week of December and Kiwi Ryan Fox will play for the first time since he was tied for 20th at the BMW PGA Championship last October.

The Australasian contingent are part of a stellar field that includes five former world No.1s – Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer – and Major champions Shane Lowry, Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett along with two-time Abu Dhabi champion Tommy Fleetwood.

Round 1 tee times (AEDT)

European Tour Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE 3pm       Scott Hend , Ahmad Skaik, Paul Waring 3.20pm Ryan Fox , Stephen Gallacher, Mikko Korhonen 3.20pm*              Lucas Herbert , Haotong Li, Gavin Green 3.30pm Wade Ormsby , Marcus Kinhult, Tom Lewis 7.55pm Jason Scrivener , Lucas Bjerregaard, Benjamin Hebert 8.15pm Min Woo Lee , Ashun Wu, Kurt Kitayama

Defending champion: Lee Westwood Past Aussie winners: Nil Top Aussie prediction: Wade Ormsby TV schedule: Live 2.30pm-7.30pm, 10pm-12am Thursday; 6pm-12am Friday; 7pm-12am Saturday; 6pm-12am Sunday on Fox Sports 503

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DP World Tour announce Hero Cup: A new match play contest in Abu Dhabi

Two teams from Great Britain and Ireland and Continental Europe will face off at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 13-15, 2023.

The DP World Tour has announced the Hero Cup, a new team match play event which gives European players more experience in the format in 2023.

Revealed at Wentworth on Tuesday, two 10-man teams from Great Britain and Ireland and Continental Europe will be selected by European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald to play at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January.

The team captains of both teams will be decided in due course and Donald will look to keep an eye on the action over the three-day event, contested with one session of foursomes, one session of fourballs and one session of singles.

The two teams will be confirmed following the conclusion of the 2022 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, with performance on the DP World Tour Rankings taken into account in the player selection process.

During the announcement, European Ryder Cup Director Guy Kinnings said the Hero Cup will look to attract the participation of the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Matthew Fitzpatrick, depending on each player's 2023 schedule.

During the event from January 13-15, Donald will be in close consultation with each team captain as the DP World Tour looks to strategically plan ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy.

"One of the first things I was keen to do when I was appointed as Ryder Cup Captain was to reinstate a team match play contest to give playing and leadership experience to future Ryder Cup players, vice-captains and Captains," Donald said.

"I spoke to a number of former Ryder Cup Captains who were strong advocates of how similar events in the past have benefitted players who were pushing to make Ryder Cup teams, as well as their own captaincy journey.

"I am therefore grateful to Hero MotoCorp and the DP World Tour for supporting the concept of the Hero Cup and I look forward to seeing the players compete at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January."

It has not yet been decided if DP World Tour members who now play on the LIV Golf Series will be eligible to participate. More details of qualification criteria will be revealed in the near future.

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Ahmed finds form in capital

R ayan Ahmed capped an impressive two weeks by winning Individual and Team Gold at the inaugural GCC Youth Games at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

The UAE National Team plater carded rounds of 70-71-73 for a championship total of two under par to win by a commanding 14 strokes, just two weeks after impressing on his Challenge Tour debut at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.

The 17-year-old narrowly missed the cut at the Abu Dhabi Challenge after carding an impressive first round four under par 66, but proved that round was no fluke with his dominating display at the weekend.

Mohammad Skaik finished second over the National course to finish second, while Thomas Nesbitt made it a clean sweep for the UAE by picking up the Bronze Medal in the event, which welcomed nations from the Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, and Qatar.

Following the event, General Abdualla Alhashmi, Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman, said” “It is always great to bring our brothers from the GCC together to compete. This is a sport that we all love and that we work collectively to try to develop within the region. Of course, we are proud of our team and these accomplishments but more importantly, we look forward to the future of the GCC Nations growing the game of golf. Lastly, I would like to thank our leadership at the United Arab Emirates Olympic Committee for organizing these Youth Games. These platforms will continue to push the next Olympians for the UAE.”

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Tournament information - Abu Dhabi Championship 2024 - European Tour

The Abu Dhabi Championship in the season 2024 is being played in at the . The tournament starts at the Thursday, 7th of November and ends at the Sunday, 10th of November 2024.

The Abu Dhabi Championship is part of the European Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of .

The course for the tournament at plays at Par .

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Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to host second Challenge Tour event in Abu Dhabi

The Emirates Golf Federation and European Challenge Tour have today announced that Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will host the second of back-to-back events in Abu Dhabi from May 4-7, 2023.

The Road to Mallorca returns to the United Arab Emirates for the first time since 2018 when the Abu Dhabi Challenge takes place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from April 27-30, before Saadiyat Beach Golf Club takes centre stage the following week as part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by nine-time Major champion Gary Player, was the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course and it provides an unforgettable golfing experience. The magnificent layout incorporates the beauty of Saadiyat Island while offering stunning views of the Gulf’s glittering ocean and boasts state of the art practice facilities.

Abu Dhabi has a rich history in hosting major golf events including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, long established as one of the premier events on the DP World Tour, forming part of the prestigious Rolex Series and generating countless memorable moments since its inception in 2006.

Earlier this year the emirate hosted the inaugural Hero Cup which saw Challenge Tour alumnus Adrian Meronk hole the winning putt as Continental Europe defeated Great Britain & Ireland 14.5-10.5 to win in style at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has developed into a luxurious tourism destination with its immaculate beaches, top-notch restaurants and cutting-edge attractions including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour , said: “I am delighted that the wonderful Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will host our second UAE event on the 2023 Road to Mallorca.

“The UAE has provided us with numerous memorable moments since our first visit to the region in 2013, including the pinnacle of our 2018 season when the Challenge Tour Grand Final was held at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah.

“We give special thanks to the Emirates Golf Federation and the DP World Tour because these two new events in Abu Dhabi have been made possible by their long-term partnership, which is aimed at developing golf in the UAE.

“I am also grateful to our sponsors and all at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club for their help and hospitality. Through our collective partnership and teamwork, our members will be treated to a first-class tournament and an event that will be eagerly anticipated on the Challenge Tour schedule.”

Christopher May, Chief Executive Officer of Viya Golf , said: “On behalf of the team at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Emirates Golf Federation and the European Tour group on securing this event and wish all competitors including the golfers from the Federation best of luck over the four rounds.

“It is an honour for Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to host this prestigious event on the Challenge Tour.”

General Abdallah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation,  said :  “As one of the first beachfront courses in Abu Dhabi, the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club lends itself perfectly to present the rising stars of professional golf on the Challenge Tour with a significant challenge, and will provide an excellent showcase of golf this coming May.”

“Hosting the second Challenge Tour event at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is important for the Emirates Golf Federation and UAE golf. Having back-to-back events in Abu Dhabi will allow the players and Tour to provide exposure to great infrastructure that is in place here in Abu Dhabi.

“With both venues confirmed [Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club] we can now focus on performance and player development using these events as a pathway for the EGF invites and National Team players.”

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European Tour's new pace-of-play policy returns dividends at Abu Dhabi

David Cannon

It is early to be sure, but initial signs would indicate that the European Tour’s new and more stringent pace-of-play policy is having its desired effect. In a meeting with members of the media at last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, senior referee Andy Macfee outlined the data amassed over the first two days of the tournament. On both, the 132-strong field got themselves around the 7,642-yard layout quicker than they had, in similar weather, one year earlier. (Comparisons drawn from the weekend play were impossible; 12 months ago the competitors played in two-balls, this year three-balls were needed).

“In the first round, play was 10 minutes quicker,” Macfee said. “In the second round it was six minutes quicker. On average, the first round took four hours, 34 minutes [three minutes over the recommended time] and one day later it was the same. Perhaps even more importantly, the flow of play was brilliant. The players were definitely more aware of how long they were taking to hit. The absence of waiting for the group in front to move on drew favorable comments from just about every competitor. And we want them to get used to that going forward.”

Still, best not to get too carried away. As Macfee was quick to emphasize, the reduced size of the field last week (lack of daylight meant a field of 132 rather than a full-size 156) did bring certain advantages. For one thing, when the first groups out on either side of a two-tee start reached their 10th tees, they were not forced to wait. That is all but impossible when the field is bigger. Knowing there will be an inevitable delay at the turn, does, according to the veteran official, apply something of a subconscious brake to proceedings.

“The only way to really improve flow over the first two days is for us to put space into the course,” Macfee said. “And the only way to do that is by reducing the field. Which is tough for us to do as a members organization [translation: turkeys do not vote for Thanksgiving]. After the cut we do have another option. This week we used an 11-minute interval between groups rather than 10. We will be doing that whenever we can.”

RELATED: Here's what you need to know about the PGA Tour's new pace-of-play policy

Surprisingly, perhaps, but certainly impressively in the first week of this new and unfamiliar initiative, only three bad times were given out over the four days in Abu Dhabi. Previously, those misdemeanors would have been scrubbed at the end of each round. But now they are carried forward. A bad time on Thursday and another on Sunday, for example, means a one-shot penalty. And regular offenders also will face the prospect of heavier fines.

All of which seems to be having an effect. Although a handful of the usual suspects—no names but they know who they are—did come close to taking too long, they stayed just within the limits. In fact, only one breach was perpetrated by a player familiar with the European Tour. On Day 1, rookie Viktor Hovland took 59 seconds (the prescribed limit is 40 seconds) to hit a putt on the 13th green. During the same round, local amateur Ahmed Skaik loitered over a shot on the second hole for 109 seconds (59 seconds over). And on the final day, South African Erik Van Rooyen spent six seconds too long weighing up his approach shot.

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“Viktor’s problem was that he took too long to get the line on his ball pointing exactly at the hole,” Macfee said. “But it was explained to him where he went wrong. He clearly listened. One day later we went back to check and he was much improved.”

Indeed, it was difficult to find even one dissenting voice among the players. Former Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn—also a long-time chairman of the player’s tournament committee—was one who had nothing but good things to say about the new initiative.

“Pace of play has been great this week,” said the Dane. “There's not been much moaning, either. It seems like the players have said to themselves, 'Well, this is it.’ It was important that our referees were proactive. They have had many good conversations with the players. Without naming any names, the refs have singled out those they know are slow and had big conversations with them. So there has been a good feeling as everyone tries to get on with it. Hopefully this solves a problem that has been in the game for a long, long time. If nothing else we are sending a good signal to the world that we are taking this seriously.”

The chats Bjorn refers to have taken place over the last few months. As Macfee pointed out, there is more to this than just players playing slowly. Other factors were coming into play. Ignorance of basic rules was one of the most prominent—and irritating. Too often, referees were being called out to adjudicate rulings the players really should have been able to sort out for themselves. So education on the seven or eight basic rules was required.

“We now have mandatory rules testing for every player on tour,” Macfee said. “They get two chances to pass and if they don’t, either myself or [chief referee] John Paramor will be wanting to know why. We will sit them down and analyze where they are going wrong. It’s funny though. Everyone seems to be taking it seriously. Every time I’ve gone into the player’s lounge this week I’ve been stopped by someone and asked about one of the questions in the test. So it’s a talking point.”

As an extension of that interaction, the tour has instituted what might be termed a “pod system,” where new members from the qualifying school and the Challenge Tour have been placed in groups of eight and assigned a referee they can approach with any issues.

“Because we don’t have the resources, we can’t have as many officials on the Challenge Tour as we do on the main tour,” Macfee said. “Because they are placed under less scrutiny, it is therefore easier for players there to develop a slower game. Those are the guys we have been talking to. The sooner they realize they have to play quicker, the better.”

Not a bad motto for any tour, come to think of it.

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European Tour adds new tournament to Desert Swing

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The European Tour will visit Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates for the first time in 2022 when the inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital is played at Al Hamra Golf Club from February 3-6.   The $2million tournament will be the third of five consecutive events in the Tour’s ground-breaking early season ‘Middle East Swing’, following back-to-back Rolex Series events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and preceding the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and one other tournament in the region which will be announced in due course.   Al Hamra Golf Club previously hosted the European Challenge Tour over three consecutive years from 2016-18. It was initially the venue for the Ras Al Khaimah Golf Challenge in 2016 and 2017, before hosting the Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final as the final stop on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah in 2018.   Keith Pelley, the European Tour’s Chief Executive, said: “For decades the Middle East has been a hugely important region for the European Tour and today’s announcement further illustrates that. We are delighted to take our Tour to a new Emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, for the first time. Our traditional spell in the Middle East at the start of each calendar year is always very popular and these five consecutive events in early 2022 will provide fantastic playing opportunities for our entire membership.   “I would like to thank our presenting partner Phoenix Capital and their Chairman Abdullah Al Naboodah for his personal vision and commitment; the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority for their support of this new tournament, as well as everyone at the Al Hamra Golf Club. All our staff who worked on our Challenge Tour events there have told us what a special venue it is, and we look forward to enjoying the unique Ras Al Khaimah hospitality next February.”   Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority , said: “We are honoured to host the inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital at the prestigious Al Hamra Golf Club and showcase our nature-based Emirate to players and spectators. Building on our impressive credentials in staging global sporting events, this prestigious tournament is the latest addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s ever-growing golfing portfolio, further highlighting its growing popularity as a leading lifestyle and sporting destination in the Gulf region.”   Abdullah Al Naboodah, Chairman of investment company Phoenix Capital , said. “I’m delighted to support this new European Tour event in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Golf in the UAE and the European Tour is dear to the Al Naboodah businesses having supported the Dubai Desert Classic and Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in past years. Indeed, our company built the Emirates Golf Club which opened in 1988, the first grass golf course in the Middle East. This will be a great event, sitting in a run of tournaments along with Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It is a terrific showcase for global golfers to visit the UAE and the Middle East as a whole.”   Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, owner of Al Hamra Golf Club, said. “We are delighted to partner with the European Tour, RAKTDA and Phoenix Capital to bring the first European Tour event to Ras Al Khaimah and the Northern Emirates. This partnership strengthens Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy to attract global events to the Emirate and showcase the unique offering to current and potential visitors. Located within a largescale integrated tourism destination with picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf and the Hajjar Mountains, Al Hamra Golf Club is the ideal setting for this world-class event. We look forward to hosting this tournament and showcasing Ras Al Khaimah to the global audience of the European Tour.”

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McIlroy and Lowry team up for New Orleans victory. Green repeats on LPGA Tour

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, and teammate Shane Lowry, of Ireland, right hold up their trophy after winning the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Hannah Green hits from the second tee during the fourth round of the LPGA’s JM Eagle LA Championship golf tournament at Wilshire Country Club, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Stephen Ames shows the trophy to the media after winning the Mitsubishi Classic senior golf tournament at TPC Sugarloaf on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Duluth, Ga. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Captain Cameron Smith, of Ripper GC, celebrates on the 18th hole after his team won the playoff round of LIV Golf Adelaide at Grange Golf Club, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via AP)

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AVONDALE, La. (AP) — Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event Sunday, beating Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer with a par on the first hole of a playoff.

Trainer pushed a 6-foot par putt to the right of the cup to end it, with Lowry and McIlroy sharing a smiling embrace on the green.

The 34-year-old McIlroy, playing in the event for the first time, won his 25th PGA Tour title and first of the season. Lowry claimed his third PGA Tour victory. The Irish tandem closed with a 4-under 68 in the alternate-shot final round to match Ramey and Trainer at 25-under 263.

Ramey and Trainer began the day tied for 27th and shot to the top of the leaderboard with nine birdies between the seventh and 18th holes. They tied the alternate-shot tournament record of 63, but then had to wait nearly three hours to see if their lead would stand up.

They struggled to execute on the playoff hole. Trainer pulled his drive into the left rough, Ramey also yanked his approach left off the cart path and into the wall below the suites around the 18th green. Trainer then chipped short before Ramey finally got onto the green.

Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard missed the playoff by one shot when Brehm’s birdie putt from the fringe narrowly missed to the right. Former BYU teammates Patrick Fishburn and Zach Blair, the 54-hole leaders, were tied for the lead until failing to birdie the par-5 16th and taking double bogey on the par-3 17th.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hannah Green closed with a 5-under 66 and won the LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship for the second straight year, holing out twice from off the greens in a pivotal back-nine stretch at Wilshire Country Club.

A year after making a 25-foot birdie on the final hole of regulation and winning on the second hole of a playoff, Green took the drama out of this one for her fifth LPGA Tour victory and second of the year.

Green began the key run with a chip-in birdie on the par-3 12th and made a 6-foot birdie putt on the par-5 13th. Then, after Stark bogeyed the par-4 16th two groups ahead, Green ran in a 25-footer for eagle from the fringe on 15 to open a four-stroke lead, and she made it 5 under in five holes with a birdie on 16.

Stark birdied her last two holes for a 68. The 24-year-old Swede also finished second last week outside Houston in The Chevron Championship, two strokes behind top-ranked Nelly Korda in the first major of the year.

Grace Kim, four strokes ahead entering the weekend, closed 76-77 without making a birdie the last two days. She tied for 25th.

LIV GOLF LEAGUE

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Brendan Steele closed with a 4-under 68 to hold off Louis Oosthuizen and win LIV Golf Adelaide by one shot at The Grange Golf Club.

The 41-year-old Steele finished with a 54-hole total of 18-under 198 for his first victory since he won his second Safeway Open in 2017 on the PGA Tour.

Steele had a streak of five consecutive birdies early in the round, before some putting jitters appeared in his back nine to open the door for a fast finishing pack of challenges including Oosthuizen (65) and former previous Masters champions Charl Schwartzel (64) and Jon Rahm (64).

Schwartzel and Rahm were among a group of five players at 16-under 200, with Joaquin Niemann (66), Andy Ogletree (65) and Dean Burmester (67) in a tie for third.

Defending champion Talor Gooch shot 70 and finished in a tie for 26th at 10-under.

Australia-based Ripper won the team title on the second playoff hole against South African-based Stingers.

EUROPEAN TOUR AND JAPAN GOLF TOUR

GOTEMBA, Japan (AP) — Yuto Katsuragawa began the back nine with five birdies in seven holes that carried him to a 7-under 63 and a three-shot victory in the ISPS Handa Championship, the third Japanese player this year to claim a European tour title.

The tournament was co-sanctioned with the Japan Golf Tour. Katsuragawa follows Rikuya Hoshino at the Commercial Qatar Masters and Keita Nakajima in the Hero Indian Open for Japanese winners. A year ago, Ryo Hisatsune won the French Open.

Katsuragawa started the final round three shots out of the lead, but got into the mix when 54-hole leader Casey Jarvis and Yannik Paul faltered on the front nine. The 25-year-old pulled away and won by three over Sebastian Soderberg, who had a 67.

Jarvis closed with a 74 to tie for 18th. Paul, who started one shot behind, shot 76. It was a missed opportunity for Paul, in the mix for the second and final spot for Germany in the Olympics.

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Stephen Ames celebrated his 60th birthday with a successful title defense in the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, closing with a 5-under 67 for his eighth PGA Tour Champions victory.

A stroke behind Paul Broadhurst after matching the tournament record Saturday with a 64, Ames had two eagles in the final round. He won by four strokes, finishing at 14-under 202 at TPC Sugarloaf for his record third victory in the event.

Broadhurst, the 58-year-old Englishman coming off a victory last week in the Invited Celebrity Classic, closed with a 72 to tie for second with Doug Barron (69). K.J. Choi (70) and Steven Alker (71) were 9 under.

Ames became the first multiple winner this year on the tour, also taking the Chubb Classic in February. He has six victories in his last 29 starts after winning twice in his first 175 — the first at TPC Sugarloaf in 2017 — on the 50-and-over tour.

KORN FERRY TOUR

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Tim Widing of Sweden won for the second straight week on the Korn Ferry Tour, closing with an 8-under 63 to cap off a week of low scoring with a four-shot victory in the Veritex Bank Championship.

The week began with Frankie Capan III posting a 58 for the third sub-60 round on the Korn Ferry Tour this year. It ended with Widing’s worst score of the week a 65 on Saturday.

He finished at 31-under 253 to boost his position atop the Korn Ferry Tour points list as he closes in on a PGA Tour card.

Myles Creighton of Canada closed with a 62 to finish second, followed by Trent Phillips (65). Capan wound up seven shots behind in fourth place. None of the Korn Ferry Tour players who broke 60 this year have gone on to win.

OTHER TOURS

Juliana Hung of Taiwan closed with a 5-under 67 for a nine-shot victory in the IOA Championship on the Epson Tour. ... Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson won his second Challenge Tour of the year, closing with a 5-under 67 for a one-shot victory over Wilco Nienaber in the UAE Challenge in Abu Dhabi. ... Manon De Roey of Belgium capped off a four-shot victory with an even-par 72 in the Investec South African Women’s Open on the Ladies European Tour. ... Stuart MacDonald of Canada closed with a 1-under 71 for a two-shot victory over Samuel Anderson in the Diners Club Peru Open on the Tour de Americas. ... Haruka Amamoto closed with a 6-under 66 for a two-shot victory in the Panasonic Open on the Japan LPGA. ... Jungmin Lee won the KLPGA Championship by closing with a 6-under 66 for a four-shot victory on the Korea LPGA.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Inside the field: G4D Tour at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson

Kipp Popert of England celebrates during the G4D Tour Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

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The G4D Tour will stage its first-ever event in conjunction with a PGA TOUR tournament at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, with 10 of the world’s best golfers with a disability competing in the United States.

Held April 29-30 at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, host venue of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, the new event features eight leading males and the top two females in the gross World Rankings for Golfers with a Disability (WR4GD).

Among those aiming to showcase their talent on the global stage are world No. 1 Kipp Popert, with the Englishman seeking to claim his 10th G4D Tour title.

Joining him in the field for the two-day stroke-play event are Americans Chris Biggins and Ryanne Jackson, who is the only first-time participant on the G4D Tour.

Ahead of the G4D Tour at THE CJ Cup Byron Nelson getting underway on Monday, here's a look at the 10 inspiring athletes set to tee it up.

Kipp Popert

• World ranking (gross): 1
• G4D Tour titles: 9
• Sport class: Standing 2
• Impairment: Weakness and spasticity in legs
• Nationality: English

Born with cerebral palsy, Popert is a high-profile advocate for the inclusive power of golf. Despite the physical challenges he has faced growing up and overcoming multiple surgeries, he has reached the summit of the game, thriving on the international stage. Having only first heard about the competitive opportunities open to talented golfers with a disability in 2019 through EDGA, formerly known as the European Disabled Golf Association, he has since won around the world, including on no fewer than nine occasions since the launch of the G4D Tour in 2022. An inspiration to many, he competed in The Amateur Championship – organized by The R&A – last summer and challenged himself in events alongside leading professionals. Won the U.S. Adaptive Open – established by the USGA – last summer and claimed further silverware on his most recent G4D Tour start in Kenya earlier this year.

Brendan Lawlor

• World ranking: 2
• G4D Tour titles: 1
• Sport class: Standing 3
• Impairment: Short stature and limbs
• Nationality: Irish

One of the most recognized golfers with a disability worldwide, Lawlor was born with a rare condition called Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, characterized by a shorter stature and shorter limbs. Since playing in his first EDGA event in 2017, the Irishman has competed around the world with great distinction. Having turned professional in 2019, he made history by becoming the first player with a disability to compete on the DP World Tour at the ISPS HANDA UK Championship in August 2020. Despite having won numerous EDGA titles over the years, including guiding his nation to win the European Team Championship in 2022, he had to wait until the inaugural G4D Open to claim his first G4D Tour title as he edged out Popert for victory. He has finished second and third in his two starts on the G4D Tour so far this season.

Chris Biggins

• World ranking: 3
• G4D Tour titles: 0
• Nationality: American

The American, who has cerebral palsy, will hope playing on home soil can lead to his maiden title on the G4D Tour after a series of strong results. With top-five finishes in his last three G4D Tour starts, he is among the most consistent performers in the game. He claimed victory at the EDGA Cazoo Classic in 2021, which coincided with an event on the DP World Tour at London Golf Club. Away from competition, he is the director of player development at The Country Club of Birmingham in Alabama. In that role, the 2019 U.S. Disabled Open Golf Association Championship winner coaches youngsters.

Juan Postigo Arce

• World ranking: 4
• G4D Tour titles: 2
• Sport class: Standing 1
• Impairment: Leg length difference
• Nationality: Spanish

Born without much of his right leg and no knee, the incredibly talented Spaniard is another of the leading ambassadors in the game. Born in the same part of Northern Spain as Seve Ballesteros, he has received widespread acclaim and continues to play an important role in raising awareness about the great number of players with a disability competing competitively. A proven champion, having been a three-time successive winner of the European Golf Association’s (EGA) European Championship for Golfers with Disability, Postigo Arce has since won twice on the G4D Tour – with both occasions coming last season in Abu Dhabi and Sweden respectively. He competed in the "Champions Challenge" on the eve of The 150th Open Championship at St Andrews in 2022.

Kurtis Barkley

• World ranking: 6
• Impairment: Spinal stiffness
• Nationality: Canadian

Mike Browne

• World ranking: 7
• Impairment: Amputation above knee

Like his counterparts, Browne’s story is inspiring. A former soldier, the Englishman had his left leg amputated from the knee down following an infection that arose after a training accident almost a decade ago. Despite only starting to play golf in 2014, he turned professional in 2016. One of the longest drivers in the world, he first tasted success on the G4D Tour during its inaugural season in Ireland in 2022. A second followed last year over Jumeirah Golf Estates’ renowned Earth Course in Dubai, where he was the only player in the field to finish under par in the weather-shortened event.

Tomasso Perrino

• World ranking: 8
• Impairment: Weakness and stiffness of the lead leg
• Nationality: Australian

Perrino competed against major champion and compatriot Francesco Molinari as a boy, but a motor scooter accident aged 18 curtailed his progress. Already a winner on the G4D Tour, having won in Northern Ireland in 2022, he has since become one of the most consistent performers. In 2023, he recorded top-five finishes in five consecutive G4D Tour appearances and became the first Italian to win the EGA’s European Championship in the Netherlands last July. Perrino featured in the All-Star Match ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club alongside Popert and fellow sportsmen such as Novak Djokovic and Gareth Bale.

Lachlan Wood

• World ranking: 9

When aged 16, Wood was seriously injured in a car accident, resulting in his left leg being held together by 14 screws and a metal plate, while he has so far faced more than 40 surgeries. The leading player on the established World Ranking for Golfers with Disability from Australia, he is looking to continue his impressive start to the 2024 G4D Tour campaign. He secured his maiden win at the Australian All Abilities Championship @ the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in December, before finishing runner-up to Popert in Kenya in February.

Daphne van Houten

• Nationality: Dutch

A routine physical screening at just 12 years old found a life-changing issue in van Houten’s back. She became the first woman to break into the top 10 of the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability in mid-2019. She was part of the inaugural field on the G4D Tour at The Belfry in 2022 and made her most recent appearance in Kenya. She won the EGA's Champion Women Golfer with Disability in 2018 and is a key member of the Dutch national setup. Her golfing hero is compatriot Anne van Dam, who plays on the Ladies European Tour and LPGA.

Ryanne Jackson

• World ranking: 66
• Impairment: Muscle weakness in arms and legs

Jackson has muscular dystrophy, a condition which causes the muscles in her shoulders and legs to weaken over time. While she first picked up a club at the age of 2, it was when she was 6 that she began the play sport regularly and declared herself a "lefty" despite being right-handed. Coached from a young age by her father, like both her older sisters, her diagnosis only came in her freshman year a college after struggling to understand the cause of physical tiredness she suffered from. Won the U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst last summer and is now set for her debut on the G4D Tour.

The 2024 G4D Tour schedule comprises nine tournaments held in six different countries and includes a major championship with The G4D Open in May, which is run in partnership by The R&A and the DP World Tour.