(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The countdown for Season 3 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC), an innovative tournament concept that brings together 160 elite amateur golfers across 10 franchise teams, kicks off this week, and the UAE golf community is gearing up for a high-stakes Player Auction.

Set to take place on Friday, 5th December 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club, this is where strategy and team-building collide as team owners bid for 84 prized slots from a competitive pool of 100 players in the first-of-its-kind corporate golf league auction in the UAE.

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The UGC is a four-day competition spanning four of the UAE's premier courses:

• Day 1 – 5 February: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

• Day 2 – 15 February: Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Day 3 – 2 April: Dubai Creek Resort

• Day 4 – 7 May: Faldo Course, Emirates Golf Club

With 350 rounds of golf scheduled across the four days, team composition will be crucial. The Player Auction sets the tone for the season, and savvy team owners know that selecting the right mix of players could be the difference between glory and disappointment.

Auction Highlights

• Total Players Available: 84

• Average Handicap: 11

• Lowest Handicap: 0 | Highest Handicap: 25.4

Handicap Buckets for Team Composition

• Low Handicap - min. 4 players

• Mid Handicap - min. 4 players

• High Handicap - min. 4 players

• Any Category - min. 4 players

• Ladies - min. 2 players (any handicap)

Each franchise team will field 16 players: 8 nominated directly by the owner and 8 acquired at the auction, ensuring tactically built teams across all categories. Players must meet requirements such as a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency of 6+ months, and participation in at least one tournament day.

The UGC offers amateurs the chance to experience golf like never before. Participants compete in team-based Stableford and matchplay formats, wearing professional team uniforms, and vying for:

• The prestigious UGC running trophy for the winning team

• Championship medals for the top three teams

• Daily best performer awards and category-specific recognition

• Professional highlight reels and networking opportunities

"We're thrilled to kick off Season 3 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge with Friday's Player Auction as it sets the stage for what promises to be the most exciting and competitive UGC season yet," said UGC Commissioner, Kunal Seth.

Why the auction matters

The Player Auction is more than a selection process ; it's where planning meets performance. Team owners will analyze handicaps, past performance, and potential synergies, aiming to secure the perfect blend of talent.

With the UGC's innovative format, the right combination of players could dominate across all four courses, making the auction the pivotal event leading up to a thrilling and unforgettable 2026 Ultimate Golf Challenge.

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