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‘This season feels different’: Kunal Seth tees up Ultimate Golf Challenge’s big 2026 return
As the UGC Commissioner Seth talks about Season 3 of Dubai’s premier amateur corporate golf tournament, from the new Saadiyat Beach Golf Club venue to refined team formats and the growing spirit of camaraderie that defines the event
- PUBLISHED: Tue 20 Jan 2026, 9:12 PM
- By:
- Leslie Wilson Jr
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Dubai’s burgeoning amateur corporate golf scene is set for another exciting chapter as the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) tees off Season 3 at a brand-new venue: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi on February 5.
At the helm of the popular tournament is Kunal Seth, a passionate golfer and the UGC Commissioner, whose hands-on approach ensures smooth operations and fair play across the competition.
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Looking ahead to what promises to be a landmark season, Kunal opened up about the changes and the anticipation building within him.
“I’m incredibly excited about Season 3, there’s a palpable energy that’s different from our first two seasons,” he told Khaleej Times. “What makes this season special is that we’ve moved from building something new to refining something proven.
“We’ve learned so much from the players over the past two seasons, and we’re now delivering a tournament experience shaped by real player feedback and community input.”
Driven by player feedback
Player feedback has been instrumental in shaping Season 3, guiding changes to team structures, scoring systems, and the overall tournament experience to better reflect participants’ preferences and improve how the tournament runs.
“Players love the social aspect and competitive format, but they wanted more structure around team dynamics and clearer pathways for progression throughout the season,” he said. “We’ve responded by refining our scoring system, improving communication around fixtures, and creating better team cohesion opportunities.”
A highlight for Season 3 is the inclusion of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, a course designed by Gary Player and renowned for its challenging layout and natural beauty.
A game-changing venue
“Saadiyat is a game-changer for us,” said Kunal. “It elevates the entire tournament experience. Playing there isn’t just about golf; it’s about experiencing one of Abu Dhabi’s premier facilities and testing yourself on a world-class layout.
“For many players, this will be their first time competing there, and I think it’s going to create unforgettable moments and really raise the stakes.”
The tournament is also evolving in its team structure, wth teams now better prepared and more organized than in previous seasons.
“Teams are coming in practicing together, strategizing, and genuinely investing in each other’s success,” said Kunal. “This transforms the tournament from individual performances within teams to true team competitions. The competitive spirit intensifies, but importantly, the fun factor multiplies.
“We’re seeing group chats buzzing, team kits being designed, and friendly rivalries developing. It’s exactly the vibe we envisioned, serious competition wrapped in social enjoyment.”
Growing the UGC community
Looking beyond the season, Kunal shared his vision for UGC: “I hope players and fans take away that the Ultimate Golf Challenge is building something meaningful in the UAE’s golf community. We’re creating a space where competitive golfers can test themselves in a structured format while forming lasting friendships.
“Looking ahead, I see us expanding to more venues, potentially introducing divisional play based on skill levels, and cultivating a year-round community around social competitive golf.”
For Kunal, the personal highlight of each season is witnessing the community in action.
“There’s something special about watching players who met in Season 1 now competing as teammates, seeing new friendships form, and witnessing personal breakthroughs, whether it’s someone posting their best round or a team pulling off an unlikely victory,” he said.
Beyond the final putt
“But honestly, the best part is always those moments after the final putt, the camaraderie, the stories, the celebration of great golf and great company.”
Season 3 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge promises five months of competitive excitement, team spirit, and memorable golf experiences, culminating in May at the Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo Course, a venue that epitomizes the UAE’s world-class golfing scene and the UGC ambitions.