Latest news with #AayanDadabhoy
Khaleej Times
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's Aayan conquers St. Andrews, punches ticket to Curry Cup finale in NY
For Dubai golfing prodigy Aayan Dadabhoy, the road to the Curry Cup began on the windswept fairways of St. Andrews, where he held his nerve to claim victory in the Underrated Tour event and secure a coveted spot in Steph Curry's Junior Golf Tour finale. At just 17 years old, Aayan has already made his mark in the junior golf scene, but it was his performance at the Kittocks Course at Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland that truly announced his arrival on the global stage. Posting rounds of 73 and a final-round 67, he finished four under par, winning by three strokes and cementing his reputation as one of the UAE's brightest golfing talents. Representing the Tommy Fleetwood Academy Dubai, based at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Aayan's rise reflects both his dedication and the strength of junior golf development in the UAE. Recalling the final moments of his St. Andrews triumph, Aayan said: 'I birdied the 10th and 11th, and I knew someone in my group was just a shot behind me. I stayed in the present, stuck to my game plan, and made two big up-and-downs on 14 and 15. By the time I birdied 17, with friends from the Muslim Golf Association cheering me on, I felt confident I could finish strong.' That strong finish not only secured victory at the Home of Golf but also earned him a trip to New York for the Curry Cup finale, held from September 10–12 at the iconic Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Curry Cup is the season-ending championship of the Underrated Golf Tour, founded by NBA star Stephen Curry to promote diversity and inclusion in junior golf. It brings together 24 of the world's top junior players to compete for the ultimate prize. 'Being part of this event is a huge privilege,' Aayan told Khaleej Times from Scotland. 'It's an amazing experience for my playing career, and it'll help me as I look for the right university in my final year of school. I couldn't have done it without the Underrated Tour, Steph Curry, and everyone who's made this possible.' For Aayan, the Curry Cup represents more than just a tournament, it's a chance to test himself against the best junior golfers globally. 'Competition is healthy when you're trying to grow your game,' he said. 'I know I've got what it takes to win, but it'll be a tough challenge. Playing against these players makes you work harder, and it's all about preparation.' That preparation has already taken him across continents. Earlier this summer, he competed in the U.S., finishing fifth at the FCG Callaway Collegiate in California, 15th at the Junior Worlds, and representing his country at Pinehurst for the U.S. Kids Team Championship. 'Playing in America is very different from Scotland,' he said. 'But experiences like those build the focus you need for tournaments like this.' Looking beyond New York, Aayan has his sights set on even bigger stages. 'No matter how I play at Liberty National, I'm grateful for the experience. After this, I'd love to chase an invite to the Challenge Tour or one of the UAE's professional events. That would be one of my top goals for the year.' For now, his focus is squarely on New York and the chance to bring the Curry Cup back to Dubai.
Khaleej Times
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
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
