Italian Golfer Guido Migliozzi, resident of Dubai, says that the success of the UAE as a global golfing destination is the result of more than just headline-grabbing events and big names, due to the government’s commitment to promoting the sport. UAE Grassroots Golf Push
Guido spoke with Gulf News to say that the UAE has been able to both increase the sport’s accessibility and visibility, with a combination of investment in the sport as well as bringing in top events and players.
While the high-profile events were important in attracting fans looking to see the sport’s stars compete, Guido insisted that the real work was in the long-term planning.
Authorities had worked hard to promote golf within the country, and provide an entrance point to the sport for younger players, as well as encouraging people to play in the UAE.
The 28-year-old, who plays on the DP World Tour, also reflected on his own career milestones during the interview. He described his maiden European Tour victory in 2019 as a defining moment, recalling a tense final round decided by a one-shot margin, a result that carried him to a second tour win just months later.
A fourth-place finish at the 2021 US Open, his first Major appearance, remains a marker of progress — though he says he still has unfinished business at golf’s biggest championships.
On motivation, Migliozzi said his focus remains fixed on winning trophies, even as form fluctuates through a season, requiring him to set intermediate targets to fight back into contention.
He also discussed his partnership with Swiss watchmaker Omega, drawing a parallel between the sport’s demand for repeatable precision under pressure and the brand’s obsession with fine detail in timepiece engineering.
Looking ahead, Migliozzi said his priority for the next five years is balancing competitive ambition with enjoyment of the game, while keeping family and close relationships central to life away from the course.
