DP World Tour pro Adrian Otaegui will no longer represent his birth country Spain at future events after switching to his native United Arab Emirates.
The news was announced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Olympic Committee and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), who have confirmed that Otaji will represent the UAE on all professional golf tours around the world.
Otaji, a five-time DP World Tour winner, has lived in the UAE for 13 years, where he is a Golden Passport holder and owns property in Dubai.
The 32-year-old explained that one of his ambitions is to win an Olympic medal for his country.
He told the Emirates Golf Federation: “The UAE is my home and I love its culture and the way it has become one of the most innovative countries over the past 50 years. My drive is to represent the UAE around the world and contribute to this Fantastic country brings home an Olympic medal.”
Al-Otaji, who has also served as an ambassador for the Emirates Golf Federation and the UAE National Golf Team, went on to explain that he hopes to be a role model who inspires the younger generation of Emirati citizens to improve and contribute. The development of games in the country. “
He added: “At the same time, I feel that the younger generation of Emirati golfers must have a role model, someone they know and someone who can inspire them to become better golfers. I am delighted to be able to help Emirates Golf development of the sport and helping the UAE Golf Federation create an elite program for future champions.”
Adrian Otaegui wins five DP World Tour titles, including 2022 Andalusia Masters
(Image source: Getty Images)
General Abdullah Al Hashemi, vice-president of the UAE Golf Federation, believes Al-Otaji’s decision will help achieve this goal. He said: “This is a fantastic achievement not only for Adrian, but for Emirates Golf as well. We will continue to grow and push our country to the highest levels in the world.
“Adrian has long served as an ambassador for golf in the UAE and his integrity on and off the golf course is exactly what we hope our program and the country’s players will emulate.
“We wish Adrian, his family and his entire team the best of luck and we look forward to achieving even more in the near future.”
San Sebastian-born Otagui turned professional in 2011 and has been a regular on the DP World Tour since 2016, although six years later he was also one of LIV Golf's original recruits.
Also in 2022, he won the Andalusia Masters at Valderrama, one of Spain's most famous courses, and set a tournament record with a score of 19 under par.
His most recent DP World Tour victory came at the Volvo China Open in May, where he finished 13thth at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai earlier this month.
The decision means Otaji will no longer be part of Luke Donald's European squad for the 2025 Ryder Cup.
