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Under the sun of the Emirates, between majestic palm trees and golden dunes, Lebanese golf made a strong impression on the fairways of the Al-Zorak Club. The 2025 edition of the Cedar Cup is marked by promising performances and a spirit of sporting fraternity. The Lebanese players Lara Bakhour and Sarah Salaam climbed onto the women’s podium.

The 2025 edition of the prestigious Cedar Cup of golf experienced memorable moments on the green courses of the Al-Zorak Club in Ajman (United Arab Emirates). For four days, this exceptional site, between the turquoise sea and lush palm groves, became the theater of an international competition organized in partnership between the Lebanese and Emirati golf federations, with the participation of 75 players representing 17 countries.

The Emiratis at the Top, the Lebanese in Ambush

At the end of four days of intense competition, the Emiratis shone at home. Among the men, the local champion Sam Moulane triumphed at the top of the gross ranking with a total score of 209 strokes, ahead of the Indian Mikel Pinto and the Irishman Dan Byrne.

Among the women, Anka Matteo dominated the debates by winning widely with a score of 206 strokes, ahead of the Irishwoman Eva Kelly.

But the beautiful surprise came from the Lebanese camp: Lara Bakhour took the title in the net category, while Sarah Salaam secured a superb third place, confirming the remarkable progress of the golfers from the Lebanon.

The Voice of the Lebanese Players

“Playing here, in Ajman, on such a magnificent course, against high-level players, it is an unforgettable experience,” said Lara Bakhour. “Lebanese golf is progressing thanks to these international confrontations. It pushes us to dream bigger.”

In the junior category, the Qatari Daniel Sokolov won, while the Lebanese Geoffrey Laklak secured a beautiful second place.

Among the representatives of Lebanon, the veteran Georges Akhras, a figure of national golf, once again showed the example, completing the tournament with a solid performance and a sporting spirit praised by all.

A Prestigious Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony brought together many sports personalities, including the president of the Emirati Golf Federation, Sheikh Fahem Ben Sultan Al Qassimi, his vice-president General Abdallah Al Hashimi and the president of the Lebanese Federation, Karim Salaam.

Visibly moved, Sheikh Al Qassimi praised the performance of the Lebanese players, “This tournament proves that despite the difficulties, Lebanese sport knows how to surpass itself and shine on the Arab scene.”

For his part, Karim Salaam thanked the Emirates for their hospitality and unwavering support, “Our players felt at home in Ajman. This sporting collaboration is a model of understanding and friendship between our two countries.”

The winners of this 2025 Cedar Cup collect valuable points in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), while the top two men secured their ticket to participate in the prestigious Hotel Planner Tour 2025 as part of the Emirates Challenge, which will take place in Ajman next April.

This 2025 edition will remain symbolic of a Lebanon which, despite the storms, still knows how to plant its roots and make talents bloom under all skies.