Ahmad Skaik, Carrying The Flag Forward For Emirati Golf
By Jane Stevens
Ahmad Skaik steps onto the golf course with more than ambition guiding his swing. At the heart of his game is a deeply personal mission rooted in love for the sport and the satisfaction of striving for excellence. Every round is fueled by self-motivation and a desire to achieve something meaningful, but representing the UAE elevates that drive even further. For Skaik, wearing his country’s colors is a responsibility that extends beyond performance, it is about being the best version of himself both on and off the course.
The decision to turn professional was not rushed, nor was it taken lightly. Skaik had his eyes set on one final goal as an amateur, competing in the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, an event he deeply admired and hoped to win. His plan was clear and deliberate, a victory would keep him amateur and open the door to the Masters, anything less would signal it was time to take the next step. That moment captured both the excitement and clarity that defined his transition into the professional ranks.
When Skaik made the cut in a 72 hole professional event, a milestone achievement for Emirati golf, it marked a turning point in his belief. After coming close several times, breaking through and then repeating the feat strengthened his confidence and reshaped his ambitions. The objective was no longer simply to compete or make the cut, but to contend and ultimately to win. With that shift came a new level of expectation and hunger.
While technique and training matter, Skaik credits his mentality to influences beyond golf. Since childhood, he has looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo, not for style but for discipline and relentless work ethic. Ronaldo’s approach to excellence left a lasting impression, teaching Skaik that sustained greatness is built on consistency, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
Under pressure, especially during critical moments in a round, Skaik relies on a simple yet powerful mental habit. He breathes, centers himself, and reminds himself that these are the moments he trains for every single day. Rather than resisting pressure, he embraces it, using it as fuel. Learning to thrive in those situations, he believes, is what separates good players from great ones.
A serious back injury tested that mindset like nothing before. Being sidelined for nearly a year and a half forced Skaik to rethink how he trains, warms up, and recovers. While the experience was painful and mentally challenging, it ultimately strengthened him. The setback elevated his game, deepened his discipline, and built resilience. Pushing through that difficult chapter without giving up shaped his character and made him tougher, both as an athlete and as a person.
As a left handed golfer, Skaik is candid about the challenges that come with it. Limited equipment options, difficulty finding gloves, and course designs favoring right handed players often make the game harder. Still, this reality has become part of his uniqueness, another obstacle to adapt to rather than an excuse to slow down.
The UAE’s emergence as a global golf destination has also played a role in his development. While the sport continues to grow rapidly across the country, Skaik acknowledges that the number of local players is still limited. He is optimistic, however, pointing to the efforts of the Emirates Golf Federation and the momentum building behind grassroots development. He believes the next wave of Emirati talent is closer than ever.
Looking ahead, Skaik’s vision is clear. He wants to keep breaking records for his country and for Arab golfers, winning as many tournaments as possible along the way. More importantly, he hopes to inspire those who come after him. Hearing younger players say they want to follow in his footsteps is something he describes as both humbling and motivating.
Beyond trophies, his goal is to leave a legacy as someone who competed with integrity and carried himself with respect. For young Emiratis picking up a golf club because of him, Skaik offers straightforward advice. Work hard without compromise, accept failure as part of the journey, and understand that success is impossible without setbacks. Failure, he says, is what sharpens ambition and pushes you to improve in every aspect of life. In his own journey, that lesson has proven to be just as important as any scorecard.
