Tour winner hits back at criticism of shock Ryder Cup move

Five-time DP World Tour winner Adrien Otaegui has snapped back at critics over a shock decision to change nationality.

Otaegui, who has represented Spain throughout his career, has ruled out his own Ryder Cup future by switching allegiances to the United Arab Emirates.

The 32-year-old grew up in San Sebastian but has lived in the UAE for the past 13 years.

After now setting his sights on winning an Olympic medal for the Middle Eastern country, the move has been met with criticism.

But Otaegui has doubled down on the decision and told Gulf News that there is good reason behind it.

“In all honesty, it’s very easy to talk, and everybody has the right to say whatever they want, but I doubt those people truly know me,” he said.

“Obviously, this decision, I’m making it because I think it’s good for me, my future and my family’s future by living here.

“The more people I meet, the more contacts I have and the better it is for the future. My sporting career has a beginning and an end, but there is also a life after it.

“So, for me, being involved with the Emirates Golf Federation, working with the kids in the future and being open to having an academy here or designing golf courses – I think there are other doors and opportunities that can open up for me.”

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Otaegui was officially unveiled as a UAE representative by the UAE Olympic Committee on Tuesday.

He was 38th on the European Ryder Cup team standings for next year’s match in New York but has forfeited any chance of playing under Luke Donald.

Despite considering his eligibility in the contest, Otaegui still decided the opportunity to change nationality was too good.

“The matter of Ryder Cup selection was something I was really thinking about,” he added.

“I spoke to Guy Kinnings (DP World Tour CEO) a couple of weeks ago, and he was very excited about it and thought it was a great thing for me personally, but also for the DP World Tour.

“The Ryder Cup was a concern in my head, but every decision has some good things and bad things about it.

“You know, when I retire from golf, I think there is a door that will still be open here in terms of an academy or working with the juniors.

“So, as I said, there are always good and bad things with every decision, but I’m very convinced I’m making the right decision.”

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General Abdullah Al-Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, said on Tuesday that Otaegui’s decision is a “remarkable achievement” for him and the UAE.

He also told Gulf News that qualification for the 2028 Olympics is a “key milestone” and a “defining moment” for the nation.

“I know how big and important it would be to win a medal for the UAE,” Otaegui said.

“Just to try and grow golf – obviously sport in general, but golf in my case – in the UAE is massive.

“There’s a very long journey still to be done for Emiratis to get into golf, so I think it would be very important for golf in general in the UAE. It’s such a big motivation for me as well.

“To think that one result or achievement from me could potentially motivate or incentivise the next generation to play golf – it’s very motivating.”

Otaegui’s first start under his new nationality will be the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa from December 5-8.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.