UPCOMING WORLD FINAL UPCOMING FINAL UPCOMING WORLD FINAL
– MEET T – MEET T – MEET THE FINALISTS AND HE FINALISTS AND HE FINALISTS AND THE NATIONS THEY REPRESENT THE NATIONS THEY REPRESENT THE NATIONS THEY REPRESENT
The fan-favorite Double Knockout format returns in 2026. The new season kicks off locally this May
After months of winter across the northern hemisphere, golfers are preparing for the return of competitive match play as the World Amateur Match Race 2026 season begins in May.
Across Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and other northern golfing regions, players are eagerly waiting for the fairways to reopen. The start of a new season means more than simply playing golf again it marks the return of competition, camaraderie, and the excitement that only head-to-head match play can deliver.
With thefirstroundkickingoffinMay2026, the journey toward the WorldAmateurMatch RaceWorldFinalbegins once again
From Qualifying Rounds to the World Stage
Last season proved to be one of the most competitive yet. No fewer than 80players qualifiedfortheWorldFinal, which was originally scheduled to take place in April 2026.
However, due to the unrest that emerged in the Middle East at the end of February and early March, the decision was made to move the championship to October6–11,2026.
The new dates ensure the tournament can be delivered safely while maintaining the high standards expected from an international amateur championship.
PureHead-to-HeadMatchPlay
At the heart of WorldAmateurMatchRace lies one of the most exciting formats in golf matchplay.
Unlike traditional stroke play tournaments, match play brings players face-to-face in direct competition Every hole matters, momentum can change instantly, and strategy often becomes just as important as shotmaking.
For golfers who thrive on competition and teamwork, it offers a unique and thrilling tournament experience.
ANewTournamentHandicapSystem
Another important addition for the 2026 season is the TournamentHandicapsystem.
If players perform significantly above their registered handicap level during the tournament, their handicap will be adjusted during the competition
The goal is simple: to create thefairestandmostcompetitiveWorldAmateurMatchRaceseasonyet.
DoubleKnockoutReturns
One of the most appreciated elements of the tournament returns in 2026 the DoubleKnockoutformat.
This structure allows teams to stay alive in the competition even after an early loss while still keeping the path to the final short and intense.
In fact, onlyfivetosevenmatchvictories cantakeateamallthewaytothe WorldFinal, making every match a crucial step on the journey
LimitedPlaces
–HighDemandExpected
With only eightteamspergroup, the number of places is limited and demand is expected to be high.
For those who secure a spot, the opportunity awaits to compete against passionate golfers from around the world — and potentially fight their way all the way to the WorldFinalinDubai.
Adrian Ferrand, from Sydney, Australia
QuotefromtheFounder
"World Amateur Match Race was created to give amateur golfers the opportunity to experience real international competition Every season we see more players discovering how exciting match play can be when it’s played in a global format."
HåkanÅkerlund Founder–WorldAmateurMatchRace
TournamentataGlance
Playing Period: May – October 2026
Format: Pairs Matchplay Better Ball
Teams per Group: 8
Matches needed to reach the World Final: 5–7 wins
One loss allowed before the semi-final
World Final: Dubai April 2027
Registration for the 2026 seaso
THE UPCOMING WORLD FINAL
DUBAI 6 - 11 OCTOBER 2026
From the most recent season of the World Amateur Match Race, no fewer than 80 players have qualified for the upcomingWorldFinal.
Over the years, the WorldFinalinDubai has evolved into a truly unique event, where worldclass golf courses are combined with the exceptional camaraderie among finalists from around the globe. The atmosphere created by players representing many different nations makes the event as much about friendship and shared experiences as it is about competition.
Most teams have qualified for the World Final after playing justfivematches on their road to Dubai.
From October 6–11,2026, these 80 players will gather in Dubai to compete for the prestigious title of “TheChampion” in the WorldAmateur MatchRace.
The championship will consist of 72holes played over threerounds on three outstanding golf courses.
The winner of the World Final is the individual team with the best netscoreafter 72 holes.
On the following pages, we proudly present the week’sprogramme, along with the 80qualified finalistsandthenationstheyrepresent.
Round1. (18+18 holes =36 holes)
AlZoraGolfClub,par-72championshipcourse
SingleStrokePlay = 95% of their course handicap
Players need to hole out on every hole. Each hole score for every hole in the round is added up to calculate The final score, and both players' individual scores will count.
Round2.(18 hols =54 holes)
DubaiHillsGolfClub, par-72championshipcourse
BetterBallStrokePlay= 85% of their course handicap
Round3. (18 holes = 72 holes)
MontgomerieGolfClub,par-72championship course
TexasPairsScrambleStrokePlay = The sum of:
a. 35% of the lowest player´s course handicap
b. 15% of the highest player´s course handicap
Handicapevaluation
In the final, we apply continuous handicap evaluation to all players who play under handicap, regardless of whether it is team play or singles play, in order to create a fair World Final
THE UPCOMI
DUBAI 6 - 11 OCTOBER 2026
week’sprogramme
Tuesday6october-Arrival
Arrival and check-in at Vida Creek Harbour. Evening Welcome Meeting, Team Registration and Presentation at 7:00 PM, followed by time at leisure (own arrangements).
Wednesday7october-Round1
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by transport to Al Zora Golf Club at 11:00 AM Warm-up, group photo and briefing before a 1:00 PM shotgun start Return to the hotel at 7:00 PM, followed by time at leisure (own arrangements)
Thursday 8october-Round2
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by transport to Dubai Hills Golf Club at 10:45 AM. Warm-up, group photo and briefing before a 1:00 PM shotgun start. Return to the hotel at 7:00 PM, followed by time at leisure (own arrangements).
Friday9october-Round3
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by transport to Montgomerie Golf Club at 10:45 AM. Warm-up, group photo and briefing before a 1:00 PM shotgun start. After golf, return at 7:00 PM for the gala dinner and prize ceremony, before heading back to the hotel at midnight.
Saturday10october-YachtParty
After a restful morning and breakfast at the hotel, we conclude with a well-deserved Yacht Party in Dubai Marina from 1:00–5:00 PM, featuring drinks and light refreshments on board Return to the hotel at 5:30 PM, followed by time at leisure (own arrangements) Sunday concludes with check-out and departure
Kingsford, Australia - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Oliver Faulkner / Patrick McCann
WORLD FINAL DUBAI
6 - 11 OCTOBER 2026
FINAL PLAYER 1 - 20
Patrick Bowe, ( 7.5) / Cameron Wood, (8.5)
Carindale, Australia - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Oliver Faulkner (14.4) / Patrick McCann, (13.2)
Kingsford, Australia - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Simon Timpano ( 5.3) / Lance Wiggers (14.2)
Mandurah, Australia - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Emmanuel Walker ( 21.3) / Will Ghusn (9.6)
Brookwater, Australia - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Sean McNulty ( 15.2) / Niall Keogh (11.5)
Derrimut, Australia - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Scott Dean ( 19.7) / Luke Drake (8.3)
Darley, Australia - 7 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Jan Alexander Loebus (24.1) / Birgit Monitzer, (26.0)
Brunn am Gebirge, Austria - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Wyatt Morin (9.2) / Chad Morin, (8.9)
Stony Plain, Canada - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
JS Tassé (10.7) / Nelson Soucy, (14.7)
Blainville, Canada - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Chris Irving (12.2) / Peter Oliver, (5.1)
Burlington, Canada - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Mario Ferrandi / Omar Agosti
Città Milano, Italy - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
WORLD FINAL DUBAI
6 - 11 OCTOBER 2026
FINAL PLAYER 21 - 40
Evian Macmillan (10.8) / Dustin Dockendorf (19.7)
Vancouver, Canada - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Manuel Kohnle (8.0) / Florian Hegele, (19.1)
Wain, Germany - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Eddie Ryan (15.1) / John Ryan, (14.2)
Crossagalla, Ireland - Defending Champion
Damien White (18.0) / Eric White, (15.8)
Ardagh, Ireland - 4 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Mario Ferrandi (11.4) / Omar Agosti (21.3)
Città Milano, Italy- 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Jan Smithers (8.0)/Santiago Payro (15.5)
Mexico City, México - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
San Pedro Garza Garcia, México - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Enrique Orvananos (13.1) / Jesus Antonio, (14.7)
Huixquilucan, México - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Andre Kasel (18.2) / Elkjaer Kasel, (8.2)
Havelte, Netherlands - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Hans Brekelmans (20.0) / Winston Cheng, (17.5)
Hertogenbosch, Netherlands - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Jonas Halmrast / Soufiane Hamoud Kløfta, Norway - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
WORLD FINAL DUBAI
6 - 11 OCTOBER 2026
FINAL PLAYER 41 - 60
Leon Liang (15.0) / Terry Gao (10.0)
Auckland, New Zealand - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Brooke Dales (22.8) / Hagan Ross (8.8)
Silverdale, New Zealand - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Vaha Fapiano (2.9) / Jesper Bengtsson, (+0.4)
Auckland, New Zealand - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Jonas Halmrast (9.3) / Soufiane Hamoud, (12.3)
Kløfta, Norway - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Mats Hillerstam (14.0)/ Marco Hillerstam (18.0)
Manila, Philippines - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Muhammad Imran Bashir (8.8) / Bilal Gilani (10.1)
Qurtubah, Saudi Arabia - 4 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Paul Tulk (16.1) / Darren Simpson (13.1)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - 4 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Neil Thompson (8.4) / Gary Thompson, (10.4)
Benoni, South Africa - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Jaco Parsons (9.8) / Stefan Kruger (11.7)
Pretoria, South Africa - 7 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Wouter Joubert (10.9) / Henk Truter (17.2)
Strand, South Africa - 7 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Christopher Chambers / Rick Chambers
Lothian, USA - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
WORLD FINAL DUBAI
6 - 11 OCTOBER 2026
FINAL PLAYER 61 - 80
Andreas Wallenberg (13.0) / Jack Wallenberg (18.0)
Malaga, Spain - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Magnus Lundblad (17.7) / Elias Lundblad, (7.0)
Ljungsbro, Sweden - 4 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Deepak Mandody (13.6) / Arvind Kittur(15.6)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Aidan McClure (19.3) / Matt Painter, (15.5)
Overstone, England - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Elliott Meachem (3.9) Feisal Nahaboo (10.3)
London, England - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Eric Daniels (5.0) / Alec Todryk (3.0)
Rancho Palos Verdes, USA - 6 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Christopher Chambers (7.1 )/ Rick Chambers, (22.1)
Lothian, USA - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Erik Millon (8.6) / Stefan Wennin (16.0)
Miami Beach, USA - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Dale Fuhr (12.1)/ Jay Strickland (7.9)
Sugar Land, USA - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
Brent Jackson (10.5) / Tal Tartaglia (9.9)
Morro Bay, USA - 5 matches to reach the final in Dubai
We are pleased to introduce PedroBarillas as the new MasterforOntario,Canada for WorldAmateurMatchRace.
Ontario has been an important region for WAMR over the years, with more than 2,000 unique golfers having registered for the tournament in previous seasons.
Last season 8CanadianplayersreachedtheWorld Final. Now it’s Ontario’sturntosendevenmore teamstoWorldFinal.
Pedro will lead the development of WAMR in the region, working to grow the community, increase team participation, and develop our Corporate Groups (B2B) concept together with golf clubs, companies, and partners across Ontario
He will also oversee the National Ontario Final, where the region’s best teams compete for a place in the World Final.
The goal in Year One is to finish inside the top72 playersworldwide, who qualify for the WPSL GrandFinal. From there, the journey continues the topsixplayers will earn an unforgettable WPSLtravelandcompetitionexperiencein Malaysia,includingfiveroundsofgolf, accommodation,andselectedmealsand expensescoveredbyWPSL (flights excluded). WorldPlayersSuperLeague(WPSL)Virtual League is a global golf competition that gives players multipleopportunitiestoqualifyfor incrediblefinalsandexclusivegolftravel experiences.
Every time you compete in a WPSLevent, or take part in your regularlocalclubcompetition sanctionedbyWPSL, you automatically earn WPSLrankingpoints. Your result doesn’t just count locally it becomes part of something much bigger: aworldwidecompetition connectinggolfersacrosstheglobe.
Ranking points are awarded based on your finishing position in each event: the winnerreceives100points,secondplace 99,third98, and so on witheveryplayerin thefieldearningSuperLeaguepoints. These points accumulate throughout the season on the globalWPSLleaderboard, meaning that every roundyouplaytrulymatters.
Groupstage(8teams): 100 points for 1st, down to 93 for last State/NationsFinal: 100 for 1st, 99 for 2nd, etc.
WorldFinal:
Round 1 (Individual)
Round 2 (Team)
Round 3 (Team)
Total Team Score (3 rounds)
(All rounds: 100 for 1st, 99 for 2nd, etc.)
Emirates NBD CEO Masters powered by Thriwe welcomed 112 elite players to the iconic Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai for an exceptional day where world class golf, leadership, and global connection came together.
The invitation-only tournament attracted CEOs, founders, investors, and senior decision-makers who travelled from across the world to be part of one of the region’s most exclusive business and sporting gatherings. Competing alongside professional golfers, participants experienced a uniquely elevated tournament set against one of Dubai’s most prestigious championship courses.
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a meticulously curated programme that blended competitive play with refined hospitality, premium on-course activations, and a selection of standout, high-value prizes that added a thrilling edge to the competition. The atmosphere was both highly competitive and effortlessly relaxed, encouraging meaningful conversations and genuine relationship-building beyond the boardroom
As the day drew to a close, the experience transitioned seamlessly into an elegant gala dinner and awards ceremony, where achievements were celebrated and connections continued to flourish in a refined evening setting.
The annual CEO Masters is growing regionally with participation from senior executives from Mauritius, India, Indonesia and Kenya adding to the UAE Golfing executives. Should you wish to participate or sponsor please contact James Yeomans on +971 50 481 6277 or email: jyeomans@yeomansexecutive com
Friday 9 January 2026 th
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