Galeppini storms to commanding Junior Open victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Emanuele Galeppini of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club clinched the 2025 Jumeirah Golf Estates Junior Open in style, firing a five-under-par 67 on the Fire course to claim a commanding three-shot victory.
The talented junior set the tone early with a blistering front nine, racking up five birdies en route to a 32 at the turn. He kept his composure on the back nine, adding a one-under 35 to close out a composed and clinical round.
'I'd like to thank the entire team here at Jumeirah Golf Estates,' said Galeppini at the prize ceremony. 'The Fire course was in fantastic condition, and I've had an amazing day thanks to all the hard work that went into this event.'
The 18-hole strokeplay tournament drew 72 competitors across various divisions, including Gross and Net categories (Divisions A and B), as well as separate boys' and girls' sections.
In the Boys Division A (Gross), it was a nail-biting three-way tie, with Aayan Dadabhoy, Wenji Li, and Alexander Rushika all carding two-under-par 70s. A countback was required to determine the winner, with Dadabhoy edging out Li and Rushika.
Sophia Zbiri cruised to victory in the Girls Division A, posting a four-shot win with a solid round of 74. Another countback was needed to settle second and third places, as Paris Calik edged Sanjana Sharma after both shot 78.
In the Boys Division B (Net), Thomas Wylie delivered the performance of the day with a remarkable 10-under-par 62, finishing six shots ahead of Damien Lee (68), with Rex Jolley a further stroke back on 69.
Leia McCallum took top honours in the Girls Division B (Net), carding a two-under-par 70 to finish four ahead of runner-up Ela Camurlu (76).
Cameron McWhinnie, Assistant Golf Services Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, praised the event: 'We had a fantastic turnout of 72 juniors, and the level of golf on display was outstanding. Congratulations to all the winners—and to every player who competed.'
2025 Jumeirah Junior Open - Key Results (Par 72)
Overall Champion
Emanuele Galeppini – 67
Boys Division A – Gross
Aayan Dadabhoy – 70 (countback)
Wenji Li – 70 (countback)
Alexander Rushika – 70 (countback)
Girls Division A – Gross
Sophia Zbiri – 74
Paris Calik – 78 (countback)
Sanjana Sharma – 78 (countback)
Boys Division B – Net
Thomas Wylie – 62
Damien Lee – 68
Rex Jolley – 69
Girls Division B – Net
Leia McCallum – 70
Ela Camurlu – 76
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