The Asian-Pacific Golf Confederation announced the appointment of New Zealander Philip Hessell as its new president, and retired Air Marshal Abdullah Al Hashmi from the UAE as vice president, effective from the annual general meeting scheduled to be held in Dubai in late October. They will succeed the current president, Timor Hassan Amin, whose term ends after six years of service.

Philip Hessell is a prominent leader in golf in the Asia-Pacific region, having served as a board member of the federation for 15 years, holding positions as vice president and treasurer, alongside his leadership role in Golf New Zealand, which he chaired for many years. Hessell will be the fifth president of the federation since its establishment, following Malaysian Tommy Lee, Australian David Cherry, Japanese Kii Moratsu, and Pakistani Timor Hassan Amin.

Retired Air Marshal Abdullah Al Hashmi practiced several sports such as volleyball and ice hockey before discovering his passion for golf while in Australia. He currently serves as president of the UAE Golf Federation and is a member of the executive office of the Arab Golf Federation.

This appointment also reflects the growing status of the UAE Golf Federation, which has played a pivotal role in hosting continental and global tournaments and developing youth programs, helping to strengthen the country’s position as a leading golf hub in the region.

Al Hashmi said: “I am honored to take on the responsibility of vice president of the Asian-Pacific Golf Confederation. I consider this appointment a recognition of the UAE’s role and status in supporting and developing sports. I will work with my colleagues to enhance the federation’s global standing and open new horizons for the youth of the region to practice golf at the highest levels. We have great ambitions for Asia-Pacific to be a major player in the future of international golf.”