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Chris Wood clinches MENA Golf Tour rankings title following stunning comeback
With three victories in Portugal, Egypt, and Morocco, Wood’s resilience and skill have secured him the 2025/26 MENA Golf Tour Rankings crown and a pathway back to top-tier international golf
- PUBLISHED: Tue 24 Mar 2026, 5:54 PM
Chris Wood roared back onto the international golf stage, clinching the 2025/26 MENA Golf Tour Rankings with authority and style. The former Ryder Cup star didn’t just win, he dominated, amassing 59,320 points from eight events, more than 26,000 ahead of runner-up Juan Salama.
Wood’s season was a masterclass in resilience and skill. The 38-year-old collected victories across three countries, the Rolear Algarve Classic in Portugal, the Address Marassi Golf Resort event in Egypt, and the Al Houara Classic in Morocco, before sealing the Rankings title by a commanding margin. Reflecting on his triumph, Wood said:
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“I am very proud to have won the Order of Merit,” said Wood. “There are some impressive players on the MENA Golf Tour, which shows the depth of golf worldwide nowadays.
“I was pushed all the way to my three victories, which is great for me to have those pressure situations. Each win offered me something different, and to win in three different countries is something I’ m very proud of. The MENA Golf Tour has offered me a realistic route back to where I want to be playing, and I can’t wait to get going.”
Salama finished second on 33,050 points, with France’s Pierre Pineau third on 31,531, and UAE-based Jack Davidson fourth with 30,355 in the final MENA Golf Tour Rankings, the definitive measure of the season.
The 2025/26 season faced disruptions due to the regional situation, resulting in the cancellation of events in Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE. Despite these challenges, Wood’s triumph represents a remarkable chapter in one of professional golf’s most compelling comeback stories.
A three-time DP World Tour winner, Wood’s career highlights include victory at the 2016 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and a spot on Europe’s Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine the same year.
After battling chronic anxiety and burnout, he returned to competitive golf with determination.
As winner of the Final MENA Golf Tour Rankings, Wood receives a Category 12 exemption and a full HotelPlanner Tour card for the remainder of the 2026 season, starting with the Italian Challenge Open (7–10 May).
The leading three players in the final Rankings not already exempt will also be invited to compete in two HotelPlanner Tour events. UAE-based tournaments, including the Abu Dhabi Challenge, Al Ain Golf & Shooting Club, and the RAKBANK UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, each carrying a prize fund of $350,000, are now scheduled for the last two weeks of September.
Juan Salama and Jack Davidson will receive four additional exemptions to HotelPlanner Tour tournaments, beginning with the Italian Challenge Open in early May.
Keith Waters, Chairman and Commissioner of the MENA Golf Tour, praised Wood’s performance: “Winning three times in three different countries and topping the Rankings from start to finish, that is a remarkable achievement and Chris thoroughly deserves everything that comes with it.
“His story is one of real resilience and determination, and watching him compete week after week this season has been a privilege. We also want to pay tribute to General Abdullah Al Hashmi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation and MENA Golf Tour Board Member, whose support has been instrumental in making these opportunities available to our leading players.
“We wish to acknowledge the disappointment caused by the removal of our final four events, which were due to take place in the GCC, from the schedule,” Waters added. “The safety and well-being of our players, caddies, officials and all tournament personnel is always our absolute priority, and those decisions were not taken lightly.
“We thank everyone for their understanding during a challenging period. The final Rankings standings reflect the results across all completed events, and we are proud of what this season has delivered.”
For more information, visit: www.MenaGolfTour.com.