Dubai’s Josh Hill recently qualified for The Amateur Championship match play format in Ireland by shooting rounds of 73 and 71 for a total score of 144. This championship is one of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the world and is administered by The R&A. The winner of this championship will have played nine rounds of golf over six days and will secure exemptions into The Open, the US Open, and receive an invitation to play in The Masters.
Hill, who is twenty years old and born in Dubai, currently studies on a golf scholarship at the University of Tennessee in the US. He had a first-round score of 73 at the Ballyliffin – Old Course and followed it up with a second-round score of 71 at the Ballyliffin – Glashedy Course, finishing on one over par. The format of the championship included 288 players in the stroke play format, with the top 64 players and ties progressing to the match play format.
After completing his round, Hill expressed his satisfaction with making it to the top 64, despite initially playing poorly. The weather conditions in Ireland were challenging, with cold and windy conditions affecting all players. The Medalist in the stroke play format was Connor Graham from Scotland, who finished seven under par. Hill, progressing as seed number 24, will play his first-round match against Nicklaus Mason from the US.
The Championship will continue throughout the week with first-round matches taking place on Wednesday, second and third rounds on Thursday, quarter-finals and semi-finals on Friday, and the 36-hole final on Saturday. The winner of the championship will not only receive recognition as one of the top amateur golfers but will also secure valuable exemptions into major tournaments. Hill’s performance in this championship showcases his potential and talent in the world of golf, as he competes against some of the best amateur players globally.