Muscat, Oman: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) underlined its growing golfing status with a dominant performance at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Golf Championships.

The event at Ghala Golf Club featured players from Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE.

It was the team from the UAE that shone brightest, claiming a total of eight medals, including four golds.

General Abdullah Al-Hashmi, Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), said: “We are thrilled with the outstanding performance of Team UAE, securing a remarkable total of eight podium medals of various colours this week in Oman.

“Competing against our neighbours in the GCC is always a great challenge and a lot of fun, especially across all age groups.

“This remarkable result is a testament to the dedication and talent of our players and marks a fantastic conclusion to our 2024 golf year. We are excited to carry this momentum into 2025 as we continue to build on this success.”

The standout performance at the championship came from the UAE Ladies’ Team, which clinched gold in the team category while its players occupied the top three spots in the individual rankings.

Lara Al Chaib led the charge with rounds of 72, 77 and a closing 71, earning her the individual gold medal. Intissar Rich and Faye Alblooshi took silver and bronze, respectively, ensuring an all-UAE podium.

In the Girls’ Under-16 category, Anca Mateiu shot a tournament-best 67 in the final round to secure gold with a total of three-under-par 213.

Her team-mate, Sara Abubaker, captured the silver medal following rounds of 74, 75, and 71.

The UAE also captured gold in the Girls’ Under-16 team category, with Saudi Arabia taking silver and Oman securing bronze.

The opening ceremony was graced by HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of the Oman Golf Association.