Grenville-Wood banking on home advantage in pursuit of maiden UAE Challenge victory

UAE-based professional Joshua Grenville-Wood is hoping to turn local knowledge into silverware as he chases a first career victory at this week’s UAE Challenge, taking place at the stunning Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman from April 10–13.

The 27-year-old, who began representing the UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) in 2023, has been a resident of the country for the past six years and is no stranger to Al Zorah’s challenging coastal layout—knowledge he believes could give him the edge as he competes against a strong international field on the HotelPlanner Tour.

“I’m looking forward it,” said Grenville-Wood, who celebrated his birthday today (Wednesday). “It’s a new golf course for most people but I’ve played quite a lot here. I’ve been coming up here a lot more the last few months, once or twice a week, it’s a great golf course. I love playing here, it suits a long hitter which is nice.

“It can blow around here, especially on the holes near the ocean, but that’s what makes this course pretty tough at times. When you get a bit of wind, some of these par 4s can easily start to feel like par 5s!”

Near Misses

Grenville-Wood has come close to a breakthrough victory over the last two seasons, finishing runner-up in the 2024 Delhi Challenge and the inaugural Abu Dhabi Challenge in 2023 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. This week, he’ll go up against a competitive international field featuring DP World Tour winners and rising stars on the Road to Mallorca.

He credits the Emirates Golf Federation’s support and vision as a major driver of his progress.

“The opportunities I’ve had from the UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation – I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “I’ve been able to play in a lot more DP World Tour events, especially in the Middle East. Playing in these events and learning from those guys on the DP World Tour, is huge.”

The UAE Challenge is more than just another stop on the HotelPlanner Tour schedule—it’s a key component of the EGF’s wider mission to develop homegrown talent and create tangible, competitive pathways for UAE-based players to reach the highest levels of the sport.

Strong UAE representation

This week, several UAE National Team players will tee it up alongside Grenville-Wood, including Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rayan Ahmed—fresh from making history at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship.

Also in the field are regional amateurs from the Arab Golf Federation, UAE-based club professionals, and international federation trades—an inclusive mix that showcases the growing strength and diversity of golf in the UAE and beyond.

“Having the opportunity to tee it up with Tour pros on a really good golf course in really good condition, is so important for players’ development,” said Grenville-Wood. “You learn so much during weeks like these when you’re a young golfer which can really drive you on to reach the levels these guys are at.

“I’m very proud to represent the UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation, it’s a big deal for me. To represent these guys who have such a huge vision for golf and for growing the game in this region, it’s awesome.”

The UAE Challenge is the first of two back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events in the country, followed by the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from April 17–20. Both events are central to the EGF’s long-term strategy, developed in partnership with the DP World Tour, to grow the game, support local players, and position the UAE as a hub for elite-level golf.

Crucial support for each tournament comes from UAE-headquartered Arena, Al Laith and eGolf Megastore, while further support for the Abu Dhabi Challenge comes from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism.

Golf fans can attend both events free of charge, with world-class action on display throughout the two weeks.