Successful Conclusion to the Cedars International Golf Championship in Partnership Between the Lebanese and UAE Golf Federations

Ajman, UAE – April 2025

The Cedars International Golf Championship concluded with great success at the Al Zorah Golf Club in the Emirate of Ajman. The event was jointly organized by the Lebanese Golf Federation and the UAE Golf Federation, and featured 75 players—men and women—from 17 countries, competing across five main categories under the "Gross" classification.

The closing ceremony was attended by notable figures from both federations, including H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the UAE Golf Federation, Major General Abdullah Al Hashmi, Vice President of the UAE Golf Federation, and Mr. Karim Salim Salam, President of the Lebanese Golf Federation, along with officials from the participating federations.

In his speech, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi expressed pride in the UAE’s hosting of the championship in cooperation with the Lebanese Federation, praising the impressive performance and rapid development of the Lebanese national team, despite their relatively recent start in the sport. He emphasized that Lebanon remains capable of excelling and enriching the Arab sports scene despite various challenges.

Major General Abdullah Al Hashmi noted that hosting the championship in the UAE, instead of Lebanon, was a gesture of solidarity in light of Lebanon’s current circumstances. He affirmed the strong and ongoing cooperation between the two federations.

Championship Results:

• Men’s Gross Category:

1st Place: Sam Moulane (UAE) – 209 strokes

2nd Place: Mikkel Pinto (India) – 209 strokes

3rd Place: Dan Byrne (Ireland) – 210 strokes

• Women’s Gross Category:

1st Place: Anka Mateo (UAE) – 206 strokes

2nd Place: Eva Kelly (Ireland) – 221 strokes

• Women’s Net Category:

1st Place: Lara Bakhour (Lebanon)

2nd Place: Yasmine Thaer (Palestine)

3rd Place: Sarah Karim Salam (Lebanon)

• Junior Gross Category:

1st Place: Daniel Sokolov (Qatar) – 211 strokes

2nd Place: Jeffrey Laklak (Lebanon) – 223 strokes

3rd Place: Lukas Ostro (Sweden) – 225 strokes

• Lebanese Gross Category:

1st Place: Milan Shukri – 259 strokes

2nd Place: Fadi Rouhana – 313 strokes

• Stableford Points Category:

1st Place: George Akhras (Lebanon) – 43 points

2nd Place: Diyutimal Bal (India) – 42 points

3rd Place: Karim Salim Salam (Lebanon) – 40 points

A number of players qualified to participate in the Challenge Tour based on their outstanding performance in the championship, including the top three in the Men's Gross category: Sam Moulane (UAE), Mikkel Pinto (India), and Dan Byrne (Ireland).

An official invitation was also extended by the UAE Golf Federation to the Arab Golf Federation (AGF).

Additionally, Daniel Sokolov from Qatar received an invitation to participate in the Challenge Tour thanks to his performance in the championship, and in line with the Arab Golf Federation’s commitment to creating access opportunities for players through the Arab Golf Series (AGS).

Special Recognition and Global Credentials

During the closing ceremony, honorary plaques were presented by Sheikh Al Qasimi to Mr. Karim Salam, President of the Lebanese Golf Federation, and the Director of Al Zorah Golf Club Mr. Georges Saad.

Mr. Salam also presented commemorative awards to the leadership of the UAE Golf Federation and outstanding participants in the championship.

It was announced that the winners in the men’s and women’s “Gross” categories would earn World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, supported by The R&A. Additionally, the champion and runner-up in the men’s division qualified for participation in the 2025 HotelPlanner Tour—formerly known as the Challenge Tour—within the UAE Golf Challenge, set to be held at Al Zorah Golf Club from April 10–13, 2025.

In closing remarks, Mr. Karim Salam expressed his deep gratitude to the leadership, government, and people of the United Arab Emirates for their generous hospitality and support. He praised the welcoming spirit that made the Lebanese delegation feel truly at home in their “second country,” and commended the enthusiastic engagement of the Lebanese community throughout the championship.