Al Ain, United Arab Emirates: Raghav Gulati produced a stunning final-round 65 to claim top honours on the return of the Faldo Series to the United Arab Emirates.
The 54-hole World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club offered young golfers an invaluable opportunity to make their mark on the global golf stage.
Open to players aged between seven and 25, standout UAE junior golfers battled it out on the Al Ain layout.
With a three-round total of nine-under-par 201, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s Gulati had the distinction of winning the Boys’ Under 21 division and also being crowned overall champion.
The 17-year-old saved his best for last, following rounds of 70 and 66 with a tournament best 65 to finish three strokes clear of Rayan Ahmed, the second-round leader.
Heading to the final hole, the duo were tied for the lead. While Gulati closed out with a birdie, Montgomerie Club’s Ahmed ran-up a double-bogey six after hooking his drive out of bounds.
Gulati said: “After 45 holes, Ahmed and I were very close. I had to stay mentally strong, especially after a rocky start in the first two rounds. But (in the final round) I shot a back nine of 31, with four birdies in a row. It was hugely satisfying.”
In the overall standings, Ahmed tied for second place with Emirates Golf Club’s Anca Mateiu.
Mateiu’s 204 total was good enough to earn her top spot in the Girls’ 16-and-Under category, one shot in front of Anayaa Sood from The Els Club, Dubai.
Emanuele Galeppini led the way in the Boys’ 16-and-under segment on two-under 208, the same score that secured victory for Ananthi Vivek in the Girls’ 21-and-under category.
The category winners have secured invitations to the 29th Grand Final, also to be hosted at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.
Shane Peacock, Director of Golf at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, said: “It is great to be able to host international tournaments of this standing at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. We have been partners of the Faldo Series for a number of years.”
