Ahmad Skaik will mark his transition to the professional ranks at PGA Aroeira Lisboa this week (November 25-27) as the MENA Golf Tour launches its 2025-26 season with the first of 12 events offering $100,000 prize funds and Official World Golf Ranking points.

Skaik’s decision follows a strong performance at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, and he joins a field that includes former Ryder Cup player Chris Wood. The MENA Golf Tour season features 12 events across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, offering prize funds and Official World Golf Ranking points

Fresh from a 13th-place finish amongst a world-class field at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club recently, where he spent much of the tournament inside the top ten, Skaik brings impressive recent form into his debut as he joins a Tour at it’s relaunch and one that has produced Major champions and multiple DP World Tour winners over its 14-year history.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I always wanted to turn pro, but I just waited for the Asian Pacific,” said Skaik. “Obviously, that performance gave me the answer that I’m ready to turn pro. I’ve had a pretty good season. I’ve had some good finishes and a good win. My game, I feel like it’s coming together. It’s good to turn pro and have this as my first event.” Ahmad Skaik 

The MENA Golf Tour’s return will provide ideal opportunities to Dubai-based Skaik as events are scheduled across the Middle-East, North Africa and Europe, offering both accessible and competitive opportunities against established talent and emerging stars.

“More tournaments for us to play, to compete, especially around our area. I’m very excited for that,” Skaik explained.

Fresh from a dominant, wire-to-wire performance at last week’s Q School in Troia, former Ryder Cup star and three-time DP World Tour winner Chris Wood arrives in Portugal as a favorite for the PGA Aroeira Challenge. Wood carded rounds of 66-72-72 to finish six-under-par and secure a commanding six-stroke victory, demonstrating both his class and mental resilience as he makes his return. His participation on the MENA Golf Tour creates a compelling narrative for the opening event, pitting one of Europe’s established stars against the tour’s emerging talent.

After their tied-second finishes at Q School in Troia, Scotland’s Sebastian Sandin, England’s Will Marshall, and France’s Nicolas Calvet have secured their Category 3 tour cards for the full season and will look to carry their strong momentum into the regular season. The opening event’s field also includes seasoned competitor Sébastien Gros from France, who boasts two victories and a second-place season ranking from his time on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2015. Their presence, along with the recent Q School qualifiers, adds significant depth to the start of the season. All this considered, Skaik faces an  immediate test at the PGA Aroeira Lisboa event.

PGA Aroeira offers a different examination to last week’s Q School venue, with recent rainfall softening the fairways and adding length to what is already a demanding layout requiring accuracy from the tee.

“It’s a pretty tight course. The fairways are very soft because of the rain, so it’s playing a bit long,” said Skaik after his practice round. “It’s a carry off the tee. It’s tight, so you’ve got to be very straight. I’m excited to challenge myself.”

The PGA Aroeira Challenge is the first of consecutive Portuguese events, with the Rolear Algarve Classic at Amendoeira (December 2-4) following immediately. The tour then relocates to Egypt for four events in January and February before moving to Morocco, where a mid-season Q-Sprint on February 22-23 will give additional players the opportunity to join the Tour or improve their category status.

As the long-time standard-bearer for Emirati golf, Ahmad Skaik’s move to the professional ranks is a natural and well-earned step. His consistent excellence at the amateur level, highlighted by numerous World Amateur Team Championship appearances, participation in the Nomura Cup, and invitations to DP World Tour events, has established him as a top-tier competitor ready for the next challenge.

“I just play my game. At the end of the day, I’m just playing for myself, first of all. On the course, I just think about the next shot. Everything that comes outside is just a bonus.” Skaik reflects on representing the UAE

With guaranteed prize funds, rapid 48-hour payouts, and OWGR points available throughout the season, the MENA Golf Tour offers a credible pathway for professionals at all stages of their careers. For Skaik, it represents the beginning of a new chapter. For Wood, a chance to rebuild. For dozens of others, an opportunity to take the next step towards golf’s biggest stages.

For more information please visit: www.menagolftour.com