10.48am 7th July 2025 – Growing the Game
The Arab Golf Federation (AGF) has wrapped up the first edition of its Elite Sports Scholarship Program Camp – a high-intensity, four-day development experience hosted at Riyadh Golf Club for 16 of the Arab region’s most exciting young golf talents.
The camp marked the launch of the AGF’s flagship Elite Sports Scholarship Program, a major initiative designed to support the long-term goal of producing an Arab champion by 2035. Open to players under 18, the program identifies emerging talent and provides them with a fully integrated development pathway, from technical training to academic and mental support.
Delivered in collaboration with IMG Academy, a world leader in elite sports training, the camp featured a full schedule of technical, physical, and psychological assessments. Participants completed high-performance testing at dedicated stations equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as Trackman, alongside structured indoor and on-course training.
To assess how players performed under pressure, two official 18-hole championship rounds were staged at Riyadh Golf Club. While winners were crowned at the event, the AGF will use performances across the two days to help determine final selections for the Academy. Players chosen will receive full scholarships beginning in August 2025, covering elite golf coaching, academic support, physical training, mental conditioning, and advanced performance analysis. Final decisions will be communicated to participants in the coming weeks.
On the sidelines, Kevin Craggs, Executive Director at IMG Academy, delivered a session titled “Mastering the Margin: Coaching for Clarity and Competitive Edge.” The talk – attended by players’ families and coaches – highlighted the importance of cultivating an environment that supports holistic player development. Key themes included mental resilience, conscious leadership, and understanding the mindset of the next generation of athletes.
Noah Alireza the Secretary-General of the Arab Golf Federation highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating:
“This camp represents a turning point in our journey to establish a clear competitive pathway for Arab golfers. By combining world-class training, international exposure, and meticulous evaluation, we are laying a strong foundation for young Arab talents to rise to the top levels of the sport.”
He added: “The Elite Sports Scholarship Camp is a genuine launchpad toward realising the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of producing a new generation of Arab champions capable of competing globally.
“Through comprehensive assessment programs and strategic partnerships with leading institutions, the Federation is laying the groundwork for a promising future for golf in the Arab world, built on planning, professionalism, and investment in youth potential.”
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