presents
The MGA Race to Makkah:
South Africa
Johannesburg
April 15–16, 2026
Two iconic courses. Two days of championship golf.
Three division winners. One global pathway.
Compete locally.
Qualify globally.
South Africa, your moment has arrived.
Blair Atholl
Steyn City
MGA World Championship
For the first time, South Africa becomes an official stop on the Race to Makkah global series. History begins here. This is not simply a tournament. It is the moment where three division champions will rise and carry South Africa onto the world stage.
Compete locally. Represent globally.
presents
The Race to Makkah:
South Africa
Welcome to the Inaugural 2026 Race to Makkah South Africa Championship
It is with immense pride and anticipation that we welcome players to the inaugural 2026 MGA Race to Makkah South Africa Championship.
For the first time, South Africa becomes an official stop on the global Race to Makkah series, a pathway that has brought together Muslim golfers from across the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond. Now, this movement arrives on South African soil.
This moment is historic.
South Africa carries a rich and often understated pedigree of Muslim golfers, players who have competed with discipline, dignity and quiet excellence for generations. Communities that have preserved their identity while embracing the game. Families who have built a tradition around fairways and friendship.
The arrival of Race to Makkah here is not by chance. It is recognition.
Recognition that South Africa deserves its place on the global pathway. Recognition that its golfers are ready to compete, to represent and to rise.
This championship is more than 36 holes of competition. It is the beginning of a chapter. A defining moment where three division champions will emerge and carry the South African flag onto the international stage.
Over two championship courses, across two decisive days, history will be written.
And it begins now.
Round 1: Blair Atholl
The Opening Test
The championship opens at Blair Atholl.
A course of scale and presence. Vast fairways framed by open sky. Subtle undulations that demand intelligence as much as power. It rewards patience. It punishes indiscipline. It asks questions from the very first tee.
There is nowhere to hide here.
Players will go out in traditional tee times, one group at a time. No noise. Just the quiet intensity of competition building across the property.
The wind can shift.
The pressure can build.
Momentum can change in a single swing.
Round one is not about glory.
It is about positioning.
About composure under expectation.
About laying the foundation for something greater.
Because after Blair Atholl, the leaderboard will begin to take shape.
And the chase will begin…
The First Statement
Over 18 demanding holes, the field will begin to stretch. Early discipline will create breathing space. Early mistakes will demand composure and resilience. There is no room for casual golf here. Every swing carries consequence.
Cumulative Stableford means every point matters. There is no resetting overnight. No clean slate. What you build here travels with you into the final round. Momentum gained becomes confidence. Ground lost becomes pressure.
This is where leaders establish authority.
Where contenders quietly position themselves.
Where belief is either strengthened or tested under expectation.
Some will play within themselves.
Some will chase too early.
Some will discover that championship golf demands more than talent.
By the close of day one, the leaderboard will begin to take shape. Patterns will emerge. The tone for Steyn City will be set.
The question is simple: when the dust settles at Blair Atholl, will your name be near the top… or will you be chasing history?
Round 2: Steyn City
The Arena of Decision
The championship concludes at Steyn City. Modern. Refined. Championship prepared.
But on this day, it becomes something more.
A shotgun start means the entire field moves at once. Every group stepping onto their assigned hole. Every division battling in real time. No one waiting. No one watching from a distance.
The pressure does not build slowly.
It is immediate.
Leaders will feel the weight from the opening shot. Chasers will know exactly what they must do.
Across the course, momentum will shift hole by hole.
This is not about protecting position.
This is about earning it.
The Final Reckoning
Cumulative Stableford means nothing resets overnight.
What was earned at Blair Atholl must now be defended. What was lost must now be chased.
With a shotgun start, the leaderboard moves as one. Every birdie lifts. Every dropped shot tightens the field. The entire championship unfolds in parallel.
There is nowhere to hide.
No delayed pressure.
No second chance tomorrow.
By the closing stretch, three division champions will begin to emerge.
Not by reputation.
Not by promise.
But by 36 holes of performance.
Steyn City will decide who represents South Africa on the global stage.
The Global Stage Awaits
The Race to Makkah World Final is not simply another tournament. It is the summit of the global pathway.
In Jan 2027 division champions from the United Kingdom, the United States and now South Africa will converge in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to compete over a championship stage worthy of the journey. Three nations. Three divisions. One title in each category. There is no ambiguity, no regional shield to hide behind. Only performance.
This is where the best from each country stand shoulder to shoulder and declare who is truly world champion.
Yet what sets the World Final apart is not only the calibre of golf, but also the context.
Participants are given the opportunity to perform Umrah during their time in the Kingdom, grounding the competition in something far greater than sport alone. The journey becomes both competitive and spiritual. Excellence on the course paired with reflection beyond it. Brotherhood forged not only through fairways, but through shared purpose.
To win in South Africa is to earn more than a trophy.
It is to step onto a global stage in the heart of the Muslim world, to compete with the finest from across continents, and to experience a journey that unites faith and championship golf in a way no other platform does.
This is the pinnacle.
Four Continents. One Brotherhood. One Championship.
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UK
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SOUTH AFRICA
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USA
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SAUDI ARABIA
Itinerary
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10:00 am Registration & Breakfast opens
10:00 AM - practice facilities are open to use by tournament players
11:15am - Welcome & Players briefing
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM - First Tee Time
Let the competition begin. Tee times will be staggered, with groups heading out from midday. -
Tournament Day 2 – Final Round
8:00 AM – Driving Range & Practice Open
Head to the range to warm up, fine-tune your game, and familiarise yourself with the course.11:15 AM – Rules Briefing
12:00 PM – Shotgun Stat
All players will tee off at the same time.6:00 PM Prize Giving & Dinner celebration
South Africa Qualifier at Blair Atholl & Steyn City
The MGA Race to Makkah arrives in South Africa with purpose and intensity.
This two day cumulative Stableford championship marks a historic moment as South Africa officially joins the global Race to Makkah pathway. Over 36 holes played across Blair Atholl and Steyn City, competitors will battle for more than a title. They will compete for the right to represent their country on the international stage.
This is serious golf. Structured. Competitive. Earned.
🏆 Tournament Format
Two-day cumulative Stableford competition
Three handicap divisions to ensure fair and competitive play:
Division 1: 0 – 8.4
Division 2: 8.5 – 14.4
Division 3: 14.5 – 21.4
Players must hold an official and verifiable handicap to be eligible to compete. Each competitor will play within their respective division, facing players of comparable ability over two championship rounds.
At the conclusion of 36 holes, the highest cumulative Stableford score in each division will be crowned South Africa Race to Makkah Champion and earn an all expenses paid place at the World Final in Saudi Arabia.
There is no social division at this stop.
This qualifier is built for those who wish to test themselves under championship conditions and compete for progression to the global stage.
Price Per Player - 2,000 SAR
Tournament Entry
Two Rounds ( 1x Blair Athol & 1x Steyn CIty)
Buggies on both courses (sharing)
Free range & short game access on both courses
Breakfast on both days
Presentation Dinner on Final day
Trophies
Tournament Hotel
The Houghton Hotel Spa, Wellness and Golf
Johannesburg, South Africa
The Houghton Hotel has been selected as the official tournament hotel for the 2026 MGA Race to Makkah South Africa Championship.
Located in the prestigious suburb of Houghton in Johannesburg, this award winning urban resort will serve as the central base for players across the two championship days.
Blending refined architecture with contemporary luxury, The Houghton offers an environment aligned with the standard and professionalism of the Race to Makkah platform. Spacious rooms, attentive service and carefully curated facilities ensure players can prepare, compete and recover in comfort.
MGA participants will benefit from a preferential tournament rate, available exclusively to registered players. Details and booking instructions will be shared upon confirmation.
Beyond accommodation, The Houghton delivers a complete lifestyle experience. Multiple dining venues offer elevated culinary options, while the spa and wellness facilities provide the opportunity to relax and reset following each competitive round. A fully equipped gym and indoor pool are also available for those who wish to maintain peak performance across the tournament.
Designed for comfort.
Selected for excellence.
Aligned with championship standards.
Your Invitation Awaits
FAQs
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Customers who book on or before 30th June 2025 are eligible for a 3-month payment plan, subject to availability.
You’ll pay an initial $500 deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining balance split into two equal payments, automatically taken on 30th June and 29th August.
Please note, all payments are non-refundable and subject to our Terms and Conditions. Full details are available via the payment link when you click ‘Buy Now’ -
Twin rooms are only available to guests who book as a pair and nominate each other as rooming partners at the time of booking. Unfortunately, MGA is unable to allocate or match individuals for shared accommodation due to logistical constraints. If you're not booking with a named partner, please select a single room option.
Main Tower Resort View Room – 1 King Bed
Overview
367 sqft / 33 sqm of stylish space
Located in the Main Tower with scenic resort views
Includes a living/sitting area
Air-conditioned and non-smoking
Soundproof, openable windows
Some rooms offer connecting options
Beds & Occupancy
1 King Bed
Sleeps up to 4 guests
1 rollaway bed permitted ($20 per night)
1 crib permitted
Maximum 1 crib or rollaway bed per room
Premium duvet provided
Bathroom Features
THANN luxury bath amenities
Hair dryer included
Room Features & Furnishings
Oversized chair
Movable desk with ergonomic chair and power outlet
In-room safe (for a fee)
Alarm clock
Iron and ironing board
Food & Beverage Amenities
Mini fridge
Coffee/tea maker
Complimentary bottled water
Internet & Communication
1 phone with voicemail and speakerphone
Wired internet (for a fee)
Wireless internet (for a fee)
Entertainment
Premium movie channels
Cable/satellite TV with CNN, ESPN, HBO
Netflix access
High-tech plug-in capabilities
Radio
Accessibility
Mobility accessible rooms with tubs or roll-in showers available
Transfer shower options are available
Hearing accessible features: visual alarms and door/phone notification devices
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Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa – Wellness & Leisure Amenities
🌴 Beachfront Adventure – Cabana Beach Club
Private access to 26 miles of scenic beachfront
Water sports and oceanfront dining options
Family-friendly pool and relaxing fire pit
Complimentary shuttle service from resort
A perfect setting for both thrill-seekers and families
💆♀️ Tranquility Awaits – The Sawgrass Spa
19 treatment rooms offering signature therapies
Adults-only spa pool for quiet relaxation
Poolside café with light refreshments and drinks
Holistic wellness in a serene, faith-respecting environment
💪 Stay Energised – 24-Hour Fitness Centre
Open Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fully equipped with:
Treadmills and elliptical machines
Peloton bikes (x2)
Strength and resistance equipment
Free weights and weight machines
Exercise bikes
Sauna and steam rooms
Locker rooms
🏋️♂️ Group Fitness & Wellness Activities
Variety of fitness classes offered at both the resort and Cabana Beach Club
Bicycles and pool access available for wellness-focused recreation
💡 Important Note
The fitness centre will be temporarily unavailable from February 16–18, 2021 due to equipment upgrades
Alternate fitness classes and facilities remain available at the Cabana Beach Club during this time
💲Access
All fitness and spa facilities are complimentary for resort guests
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To ensure guests have every option for making their TPC Sawgrass experience as rewarding as possible, we proudly offer caddie services through CADDIEMASTER, the premiere caddie management company.
Forecaddie
One caddie services the group, offering hole description, assistance in locating balls, obtaining yardages, helping with green reading and more.Double Bag Caddie - $85 per person
One caddie carries two golf bags and services two players during the round, providing the same services as a forecaddie for your walking pleasure.Single Premium Caddie - $125 per person
Your own personal caddie walks the course with you, offering a level of attention and personalized service equal to a true PGA TOUR Experience.Gratuity:
Forecaddie: $40.00 per person and up, depending on the quality of service.
Bag Canying Caddie: $50.00 Single /$50.00 per bag Double and up depending on the quality of service.
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Friday 19th
From 4:00 PM – Arrival & Check-in
8:00 PM – Maghrib & Isha followed by Private Welcome Dinner
Saturday 20th
6:30 AM – Fajr Prayer
7:30 AM – Private Breakfast
9:00 AM – Driving Range & Practice Open
12:00 PM – First Tee Time
8:00 PM – Maghrib & Isha Prayer, followed by Private Dinner
Sunday 21st
6:30 AM – Fajr Prayer
7:00 AM – Private Breakfast
8:00 AM – Driving Range & Practice Open
9:40 AM – First Tee Time
5:00 PM – Trophy Presentation & Departure
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This package is land-only and does not include flights. All guests are responsible for booking their own travel to and from Florida.
Registration for the TPC Sawgrass event opens at 3:00pm on Friday, allowing time for check-in and settling in before the main experience begins.
If you would like to arrive earlier to play a practice round at the course before the official start, you are welcome to do so. Please email info@muslimgolfassociation.com to express your interest and we’ll be happy to provide further guidance.
We are also putting together an optional MGA Florida Golf Week following the main event. If you’d like to extend your trip and experience more world-class golf, please let us know via email.
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As a thank you to the first 25 registrants for the TPC event, we are providing complimentary return transfers between Jacksonville Airport and the Marriott Sawgrass hotel.
If you missed out on this offer, don’t worry – we’ve arranged a special discounted rate with a trusted local provider, East Coast Travel, who can offer convenient transfers to and from the airport. Details will be shared closer to the event.
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MGA has exclusively reserved tee times on both Saturday and Sunday for the Race to Makkah – USA Chapter.
Each round includes full access to the practice range (balls provided) and the world-class short game facilities at TPC Sawgrass.
Day 1: Tee sheets and groupings will be organised by handicap, with players of similar ability grouped together for a fair and enjoyable experience. Tee times are between 11:50 - 13:40
Day 2: The final round will follow a leaderboard format, with lower-placed players teeing off first and the leaders going out last – building towards an exciting finish. Tee times are between 9:40 - 12:00
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We’ll be using the Stableford scoring system – the preferred format for all MGA tournaments worldwide.
In simple terms, Stableford awards points based on the number of strokes taken on each hole, rather than simply counting total strokes over the round. The better you play on each hole, the more points you earn – and if you have a bad hole, you can pick up and move on without ruining your entire score.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
1 point for a bogey
2 points for a par
3 points for a birdie
4 points for an eagle
0 points for anything worse than a bogey
This format keeps the game fast, competitive and more enjoyable – especially for newer players. It also means one bad hole won’t ruin your entire round.
Stableford is the standard scoring method used by all MGA host countries and ensures a fair and consistent playing experience across our global tournaments.
For a detailed explanation, you can visit the official USGA page:
👉 USGA – Rule 21.1: Stableford -
We have a dedicated team in the USA and the UK:
USA: +1 (704) 657 0030
UK: +447593 930 204
Email: info@muslimgolfassociation.com
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If you would like to arrive a day early or extend your stay after the event, please email us at info@muslimgolfassociation.com with your requirements.
We’ll be happy to provide a bespoke quote tailored to your needs.
We are also putting together an optional MGA Florida Golf Week following the main event. If you’d like to extend your trip and experience more world-class golf, please let us know via email.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’re here to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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The three divisional winners will receive an all-expenses-paid experience to compete in the World Final, taking place in Saudi Arabia from 4–15 February 2026.
They’ll have the opportunity to represent the USA and compete against Muslim golfers from across the world, including other qualifiers from the UK. -
To be eligible for the main prizes, players must have a registered GHIN handicap with at least three cards submitted before the tournament begins.
If you don’t have a registered handicap, you’re still welcome to take part. You’ll be entered into the MGA Social Division, which is a separate competition with its own prize.
Handicap Divisions:
Division 1: 0 – 8.4
Division 2: 8.5 – 14.4
Division 3: 14.5 – 24
Please note: All handicaps are capped at a maximum of 24.
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