The election of Egyptian Golf Federation President Omar Hisham Talaat to the Executive Committee of the Arab Golf Federation for the 2025–2029 term during the General Assembly in Riyadh—held on the sidelines of the Arab Men's Championship—came as no surprise. The move reflects Egypt's growing prominence on the regional and international golf map and stands as recognition of the exceptional progress achieved under Talaat's leadership in reshaping the sport's future in the country. Talaat's appointment is widely seen as a continuation of a remarkable year for the Egyptian Golf Federation, which has undergone a comprehensive transformation. Over just twelve months, the federation succeeded in changing the perception of golf as an elite pastime into a competitive and accessible sport, with participation increasing by an estimated 25–30%. Media and public interest in golf has also surged significantly. Five Major International Championships in Six Months Central to this progress is the federation's strategy of restoring Egypt's status as a host for major international tournaments. Since taking office in November 2024, Talaat and his board have organized five major championships, reaffirming Egypt's standing as one of the world's oldest golf nations, with a legacy spanning more than a century. Egypt successfully hosted the Arab Junior and Women's Championships in May, followed by the launch of the Egypt International Amateur Championship at Dreamland Golf Course. Additional milestones included the Egypt International Junior and Women's Championship at New Giza Golf Club, the revival of the Egypt Open for Professionals in Madinaty—back after a 15-year hiatus with participation from 35 countries—and the Red Sea International Professional Championship in Sokhna. These tournaments form part of the Egypt Golf Series, which has helped spotlight exceptional golf destinations across Egypt, well beyond Cairo. A Strong Comeback in 2026 Looking ahead, the federation is accelerating efforts to position Egypt as a regional golf hub through expanded international partnerships and greater exposure for Egyptian players. A strategic agreement with the MENA Golf Tour will revive and host the Egypt Golf Series, comprising four major tournaments scheduled at world-class Egyptian courses starting January 2026. This initiative is expected to boost sports tourism and strengthen Egypt's status as a global platform for major events. Millions Tune In to Golf Tournaments The past year also witnessed a notable expansion in media outreach. A partnership with ON Sport Network, supported by United Sports Company, enabled live broadcasts of the tournaments, generating more than 5 million TV and digital views. This exposure has broadened the game's audience while enhancing Egypt's tourism appeal by showcasing the country's diverse and evolving golf courses—highlighting a blend of sport, history, culture, entertainment, and coastal destinations. A Comprehensive Vision for Sports Development and Economic Growth Omar Talaat's strategy is anchored in aligning sports development with national economic goals. The federation's expansion in hosting major international events directly supports sustainable development objectives and reinforces the state's vision of sport as a contributor to the national economy—driving sports tourism, strengthening the entertainment industry, attracting investment, and positioning Egypt as a premier destination for global events. Official Praise for the Federation's Achievements The federation's efforts have earned strong official recognition. Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi affirmed that the accomplishments achieved in just one year reflect professional governance and offer a model for the development of sports federations. He emphasized that golf has become an important contributor to Egypt's tourism sector. Sobhi also highlighted the federation's strategic approach, aligned with national performance indicators and in harmony with the government's broader sports vision—leveraging major international tournaments to support soft diplomacy and promote tourism in line with Egypt's national sports strategy. Talaat's election to the Arab Golf Federation's Executive Committee marks a new milestone that reinforces Egypt's leadership in the regional sports arena, acknowledging his role in driving a transformative shift that has positioned Egyptian golf firmly on the regional and global stage—and paved the way for further achievements in the years ahead.
