UAE Contingent Advances to APGC Junior Challenge
Asia Salim and Rayan Ahmed Deliver Strong Performances; UAE Players Gain Valuable Experience
UAE Golfers Shine at 2024 APGC Junior Championship in Manila
MANILA, Philippines: Rising stars of the UAE golf game, Asia Salim and Rayan Ahmed, received high praise for their inspirational performances at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championship.
The duo’s impressive displays at Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club underscored the height of talent emerging from the UAE golf scene.
15-year-old Salim finished fifth in the women’s category, while 17-year-old Ahmed finished 14th in the men’s category.
Saleem, the Montgomery Golf Club’s Ladies’ Club champion, shot rounds of 74, 70 and 72 on the 6,045-yard, par-72 Legends Course in Manila designed by Jack Nicklaus.
After slipping to four-over-par through two holes of his second round, Saleem showed his mettle as he covered the final 34 holes at four-under.
Playing from the 7,053-yard tees, Ahmed, who competed in the US Amateur Championship and US Junior Amateur Championship during the summer, had rounds of 73, 79 and 70.
Representing the United Arab Emirates in the Philippines were Mohammed Shaikh (ranked 25th among the boys after rounds of 79, 75 and 80) and Anka Mateuy (26th among the girls, 79, 83 and 83).
UAE national coach Cameron van Rooyen said: “I was impressed with the work ethic of the four UAE players. All of them gathered valuable international experience.
“It was an elite standard for their age group and we have to say they all did well. We hope it provides a good platform for the busy UAE golf calendar ahead of them.
“The competition was strong, the quality of golf was high, and the wet weather was a new challenge for UAE players.”
The championship is open to juniors under the age of 17 and features representatives from Chinese Taipei, Guam, Hong Kong China, India, Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. and a guest invitation to the United Arab Emirates and the European Golf Association.
Hong Kong’s Ariana Lau of China won for the second consecutive year in the women’s category, while Thailand’s Thirawut Poonsier won the men’s title. The mixed team event was won by the Korean pair of Ahn Cheong-Heon and Oh Soo-Min.
