In the heat of the Arabian sun, amid the skyscrapers and desert sand dunes, a quiet revolution was taking place on the lush greens of the United Arab Emirates. It was a revolution driven not by political upheaval or economic reform but by the steady rhythm of golf clubs meeting golf balls, and the determined spirit of women who refused to be confined by tradition.

It began with just a handful of women ‑ expatriates and locals alike ‑ who shared a love for the game. In a region where golf was predominantly seen as a man's sport, they faced challenges and scepticism. But undeterred, they pressed on, carving out their space on the fairways and driving ranges of the UAE.

At first, their presence was met with curiosity, then admiration. As they honed their skills and competed at local tournaments, their talent spoke for itself. Slowly but surely, more women began to take up the sport, inspired by those who had come before them.

Support came from unexpected quarters. Golf clubs and academies started offering specialised programmes for women, encouraging them to take up the sport and providing them with the resources they needed to excel. Now an abundance of clubs in the region, including The Els Club, have women’s programmes at their academies. The Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates has an eight-week Ladies Group Programme, which is run by a team of fully qualified PGA professionals.

As word spread, the UAE became a hub for women’s golf in the Middle East. International tournaments began to include women's divisions, drawing top talent from around the world to compete on Emirati soil, and the Ladies European Tour also included the region in their schedule. The media took notice, shining a spotlight on the rising stars of women’s golf and celebrating their achievements.

But perhaps the most significant impact was felt off the course. Golf became more than just a game; it became a vehicle for empowerment and camaraderie among women of all backgrounds. Bonds were forged on the fairways, friendships that transcended cultural barriers and united women in their shared passion for the sport.

Today, the legacy of those pioneering women lives on in every swing of the club and every birdie on the scorecard. The growth of women’s golf in the UAE is a testimony to the power of determination, resilience, and the belief that no dream is too big to achieve. And as more women take their place on the tee box, ready to conquer the challenges that lie ahead, the future of women’s golf in the UAE shines brighter than ever before.

IMAGES: OCTAVIO PASSOS/R&A/R&A VIA GETTY IMAGES/GOLFRSA/SUPPLIED