Ananyaa Sood, a 13-year-old Indian-born Dubai resident, recently won the 13-year-old Division of the US Kids European Championship in Scotland. Her outstanding performance, which included rounds of 73, 73, and 71, resulted in a 54-hole total of 217, one over par, securing her victory by an impressive margin of six shots. With her father as her caddie and her mother as her forecaddie, Ananyaa expressed her confidence and strength throughout the tournament, ultimately emerging victorious.
This victory allowed Ananyaa to qualify for the European Championship through the Local UAE Tour. The Championship included 17 categories for golfers aged seven and under and 15-18 for Boys and girls aged 15-18. Fellow UAE resident Sophia Zbiri also participated and finished fourth in the same Division, showcasing the talent of young golfers in the region. Ananyaa, who studies online at the United States Performance Academy and is a member of The Els Club in Dubai, is coached by Sujjan Singh at the Claude Harmon CH3 at the club.
Despite facing challenges such as heavy rainfall and adverse course conditions in Scotland, Ananyaa remained resilient and determined, showcasing her skills on the course. She caught the golf bug from her father during the pandemic and started competing in December 2022. Following her victory, Ananyaa will now travel to the US with her parents to participate in four golf tournaments in July, including the prestigious US Kids World Championships held in historic Pinehurst, North Carolina.
The US Kids World Championships are premier events in golf, attracting over 2,300 players from more than 50 countries annually. The U.S. Kids Local Tours, established in 2002, provide players of all levels with the opportunity to compete, learn, and interact with new friends. With more than 115 U.S. Kids Local Tours worldwide, including in the UAE, these events aim to make golf enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.
Ananyaa’s upcoming tour of the US includes participation in tournaments such as the FCG International Cup, IMG Academy Junior World Championships, FCG Callaway Junior World Championships, and US Kids World Teen Championships. These events will further showcase Ananyaa’s talent and dedication to the sport while providing her with valuable experience and exposure on the international stage. To learn more about US Kids and their tournaments, visit www.uskidsgolf.com.
