Ahmad Skaik plays a shot as Ian Poulter looks on.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

To mark the second year of a mentorship programme between Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter and the UAE’s most promising golfer Ahmad Skaik, DP World releases a film that charts the rise of the 23-year-old Emirati talent as he worked his way up the ranks to secure his spot at a Rolex Series event on the European Tour.

The mentorship programme that DP World ran in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation was designed to help Ahmed build his confidence prior to tournaments. Skaik joined the mentorship programme at the start of 2020, having monthly calls with Ian as well as a face-to-face coaching session when they were both in Dubai ahead of the DP World Tour Championship.

Just after the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, Skaik’s second participation at the Rolex series event on his home soil, he met up with his mentor Poulter to discuss his performance and tactics on improving his skills and confidence.

Poulter said: “I’ve had the chance to get to know Ahmad over the last nine months and I believe he has great potential. If he continues working as hard as he does now, the region could be seeing a superstar emerging in the next few years.

“Overall, it’s amazing to see the rising level of young golfers in the UAE. Platforms such as the Emirates Golf Federation National Junior Development Programme and Mentorship Programmes run by DP World, are fantastic opportunities for young talent to grow and I am really proud to play some part in it.”

Skaik added: “I am really grateful for this amazing opportunity to be mentored by golfing legend, Ian Poulter. 2020 was a very challenging year but mentorship from Ian helped me keep myself on track with physical training and mental readiness to compete again when the time came. I feel more confident as a player now, and I am looking forward to improving my skills further.”