Latest news with #AncaMateiu
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
One Shot at a Time: Anca Matheiu's journey from Tiny Tot to chasing big dreams in Dubai
At just 16, Anca Mateiu is living a golfing journey that many only dream of. Born and raised in Romania, now thriving in the UAE, her story is powered by raw talent, deep passion, and an unshakable ambition. It all began when she was just three or four years old when her father placed a golf club—two sizes too big—into her tiny hands and encouraged her to give it a try. "They were regular clubs, too big to handle but I felt a spark and everything just went from there," she recalls with a smile. That first swing marked the start of something special. 'In the beginning, it was about playing for my dad because he got me into it. That was important to me.' That early start laid the groundwork for where she is today. Anca is the 2025 Ladies Club Champion at Emirates Golf Club, proudly represents the UAE National Team on international stages like the Pan Arab and GCC Championships. She's also the 2021 Romanian National Junior Girls Champion—a nod to her roots and a reflection of how far she's come. Thriving on Dubai Fairways But it's her time in Dubai that has truly accelerated her growth. 'It's been life-changing,' she says. 'In Romania, I didn't have the opportunity to play that much golf. But over here in Dubai, I've really been able to play the game as much as I can.' The access to world-class facilities, experienced coaches like Marion Duvernay and the ability to train all year round have all contributed to shaping her game. Anca trains across three premier courses—Emirates, Jumeirah, and Dubai Hills—while balancing her studies at Kings' School, practice, and tournaments. Though the schedule is demanding, she remains grounded. 'I try not to think too much on the course. I just take it one shot at a time and stay in the moment,' she explains. 'If I get ahead of myself, things don't happen the way I want them to. So I always focus on my routine and aim for the best possible outcome.' This mindset, along with her unwavering work ethic, has set her apart—not just as a talented golfer, but as someone deeply passionate about the sport asshe pursues her aspirations 'I'd love to turn pro. It's been my dream,' she says with conviction. 'I want to play golf for the rest of my life.' Pathway to Turning Pro Her goal is to join the LET Access Tour, and with the continued support of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), she hopes that day will come sooner rather than later. Anca holds deep appreciation for those who have championed her journey, especially General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the EGF. 'He's been incredible,' she says. 'The support from him and the EGF has helped me focus and improve. It's made a huge difference.' When asked where her allegiance lies—Romania or the UAE—Anca responds thoughtfully. While she hasn't made a definitive decision about which country she wants to represent long-term, she shares that her ties to both are meaningful. 'More UAE right now,' she says. To young girls in the Middle East dreaming of a golfing future, Anca has a clear message: 'There's so much on offer in Dubai. If you're serious about golf, you have to devote a lot of time to practice. As cheesy as it sounds—try to get one percent better every day. Stay focused, keep practicing, and improvement will come.' Family Keeps Her Grounded But more than that, she emphasizes the value of having a solid support system. 'You need people around you who understand what you want from the game. When you don't play well, or things don't go your way, your team—especially your family—is what keeps you going.' Anca Matheiu is not just one of the UAE's finest young golfers—she's a symbol of what passion and purpose can achieve. With her eyes set on a professional career and a heart full of dreams, every shot she takes now feels like a step toward the future she's always imagined—living her dream on the Pro Tour.
Khaleej Times
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Faldo Series returns to Al Ain, showcasing the UAE's rising golf stars
The highly anticipated Faldo Series is back in the UAE, bringing world-class junior golf to the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from Tuesday, March 25th to Thursday, March 27th. This prestigious 54-hole event is ranked by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), offering young golfers an invaluable opportunity to compete at the highest levels and make their mark on the global golf stage. As part of the Faldo Series, the tournament serves as a stepping stone for juniors aged 7 to 25, with the chance to earn significant rankings in the SPWAR and EGR. The winners will secure an invitation to the prestigious 29th Grand Final, also hosted at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, cementing this event as a key milestone in a junior golfer's journey toward professional tour aspirations. Shane Peacock, Director of Golf at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, shared his excitement for the event during the draw announcement: '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.' A strong local presence is expected in this year's event, with standout UAE junior golfers gearing up for a thrilling contest. In the Girls' Division, Anca Mateiu of the UAE National Team (Emirates Golf Club), Anayaa Sood (The Els Club), and Imogen Hall (UAE) are all aiming for top spots. Meanwhile, in the Boys' Division, Rayan Ahmed (Emirates Golf Federation) will be a favourite, joined by Aayan Dadabhoy (Jumeirah Golf Estates), Lukas Astrom (Jumeirah Golf Estates), Thomas Buchard (The Els Club), and home player Jeev Gill (Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club), all looking to contend for the victory. The first round will tee off at 8:00 am tomorrow (Tuesday), with the last group beginning at 11:10 am, as competitors take to the course in three-ball groups. With an impressive mix of international talent and local UAE stars, the 2025 Faldo Series at Al Ain promises to showcase some of the best young golfing talent in the region. It's an event that junior golfers don't want to miss, as it provides both a stage to showcase their skills and an opportunity to advance in their golfing careers. For live updates and scoring, visit Golf Genius using the password: FJT25.
