Sam Mullane (centre, EGF) winner of the Cedars Golf Championship with HE Sheik Fahim al Qassimi (r, Chairman of the EGF) and left Karim Salam, President of the Lebanese Golf Federation, the organisers of this inaugural event on the 2025 Arab Golf Series. – Supplied Photo
Sam Mullane (EGF) clinched victory at the 54-hole Cedars Golf Championship in spectacular fashion, winning a tense six-hole playoff at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman, UAE.
Mullane edged out Mikhail Pinto (Dubai Creek) and Dan Byrne (The Els Club) after the trio finished tied at one-under-par following regulation play.
Heading into the final round, Mullane shared the lead with Ahmad Skaik (UAE) at five under par, holding a three-shot advantage. However, a challenging round saw him card bogeys on holes 4 and 11, along with a costly double bogey on the 15th, seemingly taking him out of contention.
After replaying the 18th hole five times, the playoff moved to the 12th, where Mullane delivered the shot of the tournament. His drive and six-iron approach struck the flagstick and rolled to within five feet, setting up a clutch birdie putt for the win.
“It wasn’t my best golf today, but I got the job done,” Mullane said after his victory. “I knew I had to birdie the 18th, and that was very satisfying. A win is a win, and competing in an event with so much talent from the Arab world gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Mullane is set to compete in both upcoming Challenge Tour events in the UAE.
“I just need to fine-tune my long irons and approaches on the range,” he added. “After the Challenge Tour events in Al Zorah and Al Ain, I’m not sure what my schedule will be, but I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
The Cedars Golf Championship, organized by the Lebanese Golf Federation in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation and the Arab Golf Federation (AGF), was the second event in the newly established Arab Golf Series.
Mateiu Dominates Girls’ and Ladies’ Divisions
In the Girls’ and Ladies’ Divisions, EGF’s Anca Mateiu put on a commanding performance, shooting rounds of 65, 68, and 73 for a stunning 10-under-par total of 206.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Division title went to Geoffrey Laklak, who finished at +3 with rounds of 78, 70, and 74.
