Maguire plays waiting game as Middle East cancellations disrupt season
Alex Maguire in action at the at Al Houara Classic in Tangier. Picture: MENA Golf Tour
Alex Maguire has enjoyed a solid start to the year, but like many of his compatriots, the outbreak of war in the Middle East has thrown his immediate future into disarray.
The Mornington professional (25) sits a respectable eighth on the MENA Tour Order of Merit after six events, but despite feeling he hasn't quite reached his full potential, he may have to wait until May to play again.
He was due to compete in the MENA Tour’s Ayla Championship in Jordan this week, but that event was cancelled while he was in Morocco finishing ninth in last week’s Hilton Classic https://menagolftour.com/tournament/2608/2026.
The uncertainty now extends to the MENA Tour's Qatar and Al Ain events at the end of March, with a decision expected on March 16th.
The situation is compounded by the difficulties facing the Clutch Pro Tour, which has already called off its April events in the Middle East.
"It's not ideal," Maguire said of the schedule. "There's worse stuff going on, and obviously the war is definitely worse, but it does put a spanner in the works for the next two months.
“For me and a lot of guys, our schedules would have been predominantly in the Middle East."
The cancellations leave Maguire facing a potential six-week gap in competition with no clear plan.
With no category on the Challenge Tour this year and no invites lined up in Europe so far, his next move is uncertain.
The most likely route is a return to the Clutch Pro Tour when its UK run begins in May.
"I think that's probably the best route for me at the moment," Maguire said. "It would have been great to play a few events in the Middle East... but if I have to go through England and that's the only route, then I'll give it all I have."
Former Walker Cup player Alex Maguire was the winner of the Irish Golf Writers' Association’s Men's Amateur of the Year Award in 2023. Picture: Fran Caffrey/Golffile
As for his game, he’s pleased enough but not totally satisfied with how things have gone so far in 2026.
"I feel like I haven't lived up to my golfing potential this season," Maguire admitted. "A few silly mistakes have crept in, but overall, pretty solid."
His long game has been a particular strength, with his driving and iron play holding up well.
The area he identifies for improvement is the short game, specifically chipping and putting, which he feels has cost him the chance to build bigger leads in tournaments.
"It just sort of puts you in a position where you don't have as much safety as you'd like," he explained.
He has finished second, T7, T10, 3rd, T12, T5 and T9 in his first seven starts of the season on the MENA Tour.
Financially, it’s been a decent run, but the gap in his schedule is a blow.
While Maguire has earned approximately $20,000 from his first six events, putting him "in the green for 2026," the expenses are relentless.
He estimates the cost of competing can reach nearly €2,500 per week when factoring in entry fees, accommodation, food, and flights.
"You earn three grand, and you think, 'Oh, that's grand, I don't have to worry,'" he said. "But then you add your expense sheet, and you realise you've only earned a grand for a week.
“In a career where you have to spend almost €60,000-€70,000 a year just to do your job, it's nice to be able to earn a bit of money."
Despite the financial pressures and scheduling chaos, Maguire remains pragmatic and draws confidence from recent experience.
A taste of the "big time" at last year's Horizon Irish Open, where he held his own in a €6 million field, finishing T50 on level par, was a significant boost.
"I think it's definitely less so in a reminiscing way, more so in a trying to pull confidence from that," he reflected. "Being under pressure in one of the best events on the main tour, and not being fazed by the moment... that's where I want to be.
“It's promising to know if I ever get that opportunity again, I'd love to do the same, and much better as well."
For now, Maguire is left to wait, practice, and pray for clarity on his schedule.
As for the finances, he’s got his fingers crossed.
He has some backing from two companies lined up for the year to help with costs, but as he looks ahead to an uncertain six weeks, the focus remains on being ready whenever he’s next called to the tee.
Sponsors looking to contact Alex can email him here.
