Professional golfers switching nationalities is rare, but Adrian Otaegui hasn’t been one who followed the prescribed path. Being mentored by a legend from very early on is not a regular occurrence as well, and Otaegui owes his run of excellence on the DP World Tour as a five-time winner to the years of learning under Spanish great José María Olazábal.
Otaegui continues to count the mentorship as a blessing, and notwithstanding the latest change in his geographical location, the 32-year-old will continue to be in touch with his idol.
In November last, Otaegui announced his decision to tee-off under the United Arab Emirates’ flag from the start of the 2025 season, and the Hero Indian Open was one more week of deepening the bond with the land that is now home.
The belief that he can keep winning from outside a base in Spain is the major reason for shifting to a land “that has become one of the most innovative nations.” The decision wasn’t sudden as Otaegui has spent time living and practicing in the UAE.
I’m very lucky with how I have been treated in the UAE since I moved there.
Now that the switch is complete, hope floats that his next win on the DP World Tour will count as a first for the UAE on professional golf’s second-biggest Tour.
The larger goal is to bring Olympic glory to this land. “My goal is to represent the UAE globally, win an Olympic medal, and raise its flag on the podium.”
The next edition of the Games is slated for 2028 at Los Angeles, and should Otaegui feature among the medallists, it will be about “bringing his little piece of sand to the desert”.
If that happens, it will be a landmark moment for golf in UAE. While Otaegui retains his Spanish passport, all his endeavours and titles in golf will now count towards inspiring the next generation of golfers in the UAE.
Based out of Dubai with practice rights at top-notch facilities like Dubai Creek, Emirates Golf Club and Jumeriah Golf Estates, home to top professional tournaments, Otaegui stays upbeat.
This is an association that will be mutually beneficial. Turning out at these pristine courses is excellent preparation for Otaegui for tournament weeks, and as a consistent performer on the world stage, his experience will be of immense help to the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF).
I’m looking forward to representing the UAE flag the best I can. It is very motivating for me and I also want to help the federation with my experience in the game. I want to keep evolving and keep learning in my career, and I think this change can help me do that.
As he keeps up his efforts to get better, his last win on the DP World Tour coming at the Volvo China Open in May last, his knowledge as a global player will help the EGF present a role model who can inspire and enhance talent with critical inputs towards the EGF’s elite programme, which is designed to create champions.
These are exciting times, and both Otaegui and EGF are in hope that their coming together will be the harbinger of good news for golf in this part of the globe.
