Saleh Al Kaabi (left); Qatar Golf Association (QGA) General Secretary Fahad Nasser Al Naimi presents the winner's trophy to Qatar's Saleh Al Kaabi. QGA Board member Mohamed Faisal Al Naimi (left) is also present.
Doha, Qatar: Saleh Al Kaabi demonstrated his skill to claim the 39th Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship title with a one-stroke victory at Doha Golf Club yesterday.
The top Qatari golfer shot a two-under-par 70 in the third and final round, finishing with an aggregate of 213 shots to edge out Egypt’s Issa Abou El Ela.
This triumph secured Al Kaabi’s spot in the prestigious Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
“We are thrilled with the outstanding victory of Qatar’s Saleh Al Kaabi. This achievement highlights his remarkable progress and the dedication he’s invested in the sport,” said Walid Saad, Media Coordinator for the Qatar Golf Association and Member of the Tournament Organising Committee.
“The Qatar Golf Association has consistently improved the tournament, turning it into a globally recognised event. It has also made significant strides in developing local talent, helping players reach their fullest potential. Al Kaabi’s victory further solidifies his status as a key player on the Qatari national team, as he outperformed some of the best, including last year’s champion. This win brings pride to Qatar and sets a shining example for the future of golf in the region,” Saad said.
Meanwhile, overnight leader Daniil Sokolov, also representing the host nation, finished two shots behind El Ela after a difficult round of six-over-par 78 yesterday.
Defending champion Calum Fitzgerald of England finished joint fifth along with Qatari golfer Ali Al Shahrani, both with a total of 227.
English golfer Joe Jones claimed fourth place, one shot ahead of the pair.
Australia’s Andrew Ikstrums (229) and Cam Krahner (234) followed, with England’s Andrew Saunders (236) and Ireland’s Keith Crowley (238) rounding out the top 10.
39th Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship Leaderboard
1. 213 – Saleh Al Kaabi (Qatar) 75, 68, 70 (–3)
2. 214 – Issa Abou El Ela (Egypt) 68, 74, 72 (–2)
3. 216 – Daniil Sokolov (Qatar) 68, 70, 78 (Level)
4. 226 – Joe Jones (England) 76, 77, 73 (+10)
5. 227 – Calum Fitzgerald (England) 77, 74, 76 (+11)
6. 227 – Ali Al Shahrani (Qatar) 70, 80, 77 (+11)
7. 229 – Andrew Ikstrums (Australia) 75, 77, 77 (+13)
8. 234 – Cam Krahner (Australia) 73, 76, 85 (+18)
9. 236 – Andrew Saunders (England) 83, 74, 79 (+20)
10. 238 – Keith Crowley (Ireland) 80, 79, 79 (+22)
