Ananyaa Sood, a 13-year-old Dubai resident, recently qualified for the prestigious Van Horn Cup at Pinehurst, USA after finishing second in the US Kids Golf World Teen Championship. This event is set to take place on Sunday, 4th August and will feature the top eight boys and top four girls from each age group, competing in a one-day best-ball tournament at Pinehurst No. 4. Ananyaa, a member of The Els Club in Dubai, expressed excitement about her upcoming participation in the Van Horn Cup, citing her previous success in the European Van Horn Cup.
During her previous experience with the European Van Horn Cup, Ananyaa and her partner secured a victory for the Blue team by shooting a 67 (-5) at Pinehurst No. 4. Ananyaa showcased her skills by going on a birdie run on the back nine where she achieved five straight birdies. The final result of the tournament ended in a tie between the Blue Team and the Red Team, with both teams earning 4.5 points each. The format of the tournament is team best ball stroke play, where players play their own ball and the best score on each hole counts for the team.
Ananyaa shared details about the next tournament on her schedule, which is the Babygrande Stanford Junior All-Star at Stanford Golf Club, California, scheduled from the 6th to the 8th of August. The US Kids Golf World Teen Championship, which welcomes golfers aged 13-18 to seven championship courses in the Pinehurst area, provides a platform for young golfers to showcase their talents and skills. The competition includes a variety of activities such as rounds of championship play, a parent/child tournament, and a night of skills challenges, culminating in the Van Horn Cup.
Recognized by respected organizations like Junior Golf Scoreboard, AJGA, and the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), the U.S. Kids Golf World Teen Championship holds significance in the golfing community. An exciting match from the tournament saw Girls 13 category participants Addison Hammett and Ananyaa Sood defeating Caroline Lankford and Lilly Parker with a score of 67 (-5) to 75 (+3). The event provides young golfers with an opportunity to gain experience, improve their skills, and make connections within the golfing community.
Overall, Ananyaa Sood’s qualification for the Van Horn Cup at Pinehurst, USA is a testament to her talent and dedication to the sport of golf. With her impressive performance in the US Kids Golf World Teen Championship, she has earned the opportunity to compete against top players from around the world and further showcase her skills on a global stage. As she continues to participate in tournaments and hone her abilities, Ananyaa is poised to make a significant impact in the world of junior golf and inspire aspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams in the sport.
