Aasiya Saleem and Rayan Ahmed, two rising stars of UAE golf, recently garnered praise for their exceptional performances at the 54-hole Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championship. The event took place at the prestigious Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club in the Philippines, showcasing the talent emerging from the UAE golf scene on an international level. Saleem, the Ladies Club Champion at Montgomerie Golf Club, finished tied fifth in the Girl’s Division, while Ahmed secured the 14th spot in the Boy’s Division.
Saleem showcased her skills by shooting rounds of 74, 70, and 72 over the 6,045 yards, par 72 course. Despite a rocky start in her second round, finishing four over par after two holes, she managed to regain her composure and finish four under par in her final 34 holes. On the other hand, Ahmed recorded rounds of 73, 79, and 70 to finish six over on the 7,053-yard layout. His summer was busy with competitions in the USA, including the US Amateur Championship and the US Junior Amateur Championship.
The championships saw Hong Kong winning the Girl’s Individual Division, Thailand clinching the Boy’s Individual Division, and South Korea emerging victorious in the Mixed Team event. UAE National Coach Cameron Van Rooyen commended the efforts of the UAE team, highlighting their strong work ethic and dedication. He emphasized the elite standard displayed by the players in their age group and expressed hope for a successful season ahead for the UAE golfers.
In addition to Saleem and Ahmed, Mohammad Skaik and Anca Mateui also competed in the championship, gaining valuable international experience and contributing to the UAE team’s overall performance. The competition included representation from various countries, including Chinese Taipei, Guam, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and more. The championship aimed to provide young golfers aged 17 and under with a platform to showcase their skills and compete on an international stage.
Overall, the APGC Junior Championship served as a platform for young talent from the UAE to gain exposure and experience competing against a diverse range of international players. Saleem and Ahmed’s impressive performances reflect the dedication and hard work of the UAE golfing community in nurturing and developing skilled athletes. With the support of coaches like Van Rooyen, the future looks promising for UAE golf, with the potential for further success on the global stage. The championship was a testament to the growing talent pool in the UAE golf scene and laid a strong foundation for the players’ future endeavors.
