Latest news with #JAGA
Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Ananyaa and Rayan dominate Al Ain's JAGA Open, earn UAE Clutch Tour Invitations
As temperatures soared past 50°C, the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club became the proving ground for the region's most promising young golfers during the JAGA International Amateur Open. Hosted by the Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA) in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), the event drew over 30 amateur players battling not just the heat, but fierce competition — all vying for coveted invitations to this year's UAE Clutch Tour. Emerging victorious were two standout talents: Ananyaa Sood and Rayan Ahmed, who dominated their respective divisions with impressive performances that left the crowd buzzing. A Glimpse into the Future of UAE Golf This tournament was more than just a competition; it was a preview of what was to come. Slated to open this September, JAGA's new academy campus in Al Ain will serve as the home base for the UAE National Golf Team and a unique boarding school designed to nurture the next generation of golf champions. Through the innovative JAGA-WAY training system — inspired by martial arts belt rankings — student-athletes progress methodically, balancing academics with elite golf training, all to become college-ready Black Belts. Champions Across the Board The Open featured fierce matchups across age groups from 13 to 23, with girls and boys alike showcasing incredible skill: Girls U13 Girls: Anushka Gupta took top honours. U15 Girls: Ananyaa Sood triumphed, with Sofia Zbiri and Ayesha Gupta close behind. U18 Girls: Anuradha Chaudhuri claimed the crown. U23 Ladies: Jamie Camero led the pack, with Hannah Alan and Lara ElChaib also making waves. Boys U13 Boys: Sevn Laurijsen rose to the top, followed by Sebastian Cook and Luke Brown. U15 Boys: Alexander Rushika emerged victorious. U18 Boys: Rayan Ahmed wowed with a stunning 66 in the second round, ultimately clinching the title. U23 Men: Jonathan Selvaraj took the win, with Arav Shaw as runner-up. The Battle for Overall Supremacy When all divisions combined for overall titles, it was Rayan Ahmed who stole the spotlight among the boys, shooting an impressive 7 under par for a final score of 203. In the girls' competition, Ananyaa Sood soared 5 under par with consistent rounds of 67, 67, and 71 — an 8-shot lead over her nearest challenger. Both champions have earned exclusive invites to the upcoming UAE Clutch Tour, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season ahead. Looking Ahead Reflecting on the event, JAGA Cofounder John Laroche shared, 'As we get one step closer to opening our campus in the UAE, this past weekend was a true celebration of the young talent that this region has to offer. "Our goal is to develop the sport while providing an elite student-athlete pathway for all inspiring golfers. Thank you to our partners and to the Emirates Golf Federation for their continued support. We look forward to following these young boys and girls on their journey'.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Rising stars set to showcase their skills at JAGA International Amateur Open in Al Ain
The Emirates Golf Federation calendar heats up this week with the JAGA International Amateur Open, set to take place from 23–25 May at the scenic Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. Organized under the banner of the Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA), the event is part of a broader vision to nurture the next generation of elite golfers in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region. Branded as "The Future of Junior Golf," the JAGA International Series – Order of Merit is more than just a tournament—it's a pathway for rising stars to develop their skills and gain global exposure. Though this particular event is not part of the Emirates Golf Federation's Order of Merit, it is sanctioned by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and will feature top amateur golfers—both men and women.- from the UAE and beyond. With valuable ranking points at stake, a competitive and talented field is expected to take to the Al Ain greens. The tournament will be played over three shotgun rounds, with starts scheduled for 8:00 AM on May 23, 2:00 PM on May 24, and 7:30 AM on May 25. The Al Ain course will offer a stern yet rewarding test, with its strategic layout, desert surroundings, and pristine playing conditions. The JAGA program, which began in September 2024 and concludes in June 2025, blends elite golf training with hybrid academic learning. This flexible structure supports student-athletes who travel frequently for tournaments while offering a wide choice of curricula. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue their ambitions across the NCAA, Europe, Canada and Australia or other internationally ranked education systems. With just three days before the first tee-off, the anticipation is building for a showcase of emerging talent and a weekend of high-calibre amateur golf.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
This Week in Golf: From junior dreams in Al Ain to big stakes in Belgium and Mexico
This week, golf fans have plenty to watch—from emerging amateurs in the UAE to Ryder Cup hopefuls in Europe and a landmark LPGA return to Mexico. In the UAE, Al Ain takes centre stage as the JAGA International Amateur Open tees off from 23–25 May at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. As part of the Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA) initiative, the event is designed to shine a light on the next generation of talent from the Asia-Pacific region. Sanctioned by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and featuring top men's and women's amateurs, the tournament is a key stop on the JAGA International Series – Order of Merit. While not part of the Emirates Golf Federation's official Order of Merit, the event plays a vital role in providing young golfers with international exposure and a pathway to future collegiate and professional success. European Swing Heats Up Over in Antwerp, the DP World Tour returns for the Soudal Open, a pivotal event in the tour's European Swing. Running from 22–25 May at Rinkven International Golf Club, the tournament offers crucial Race to Dubai points and could influence Ryder Cup selection for 2025. This year's edition features a star-studded field: Thomas Pieters, the Belgian hometown hero and LIV Golf member, looks to go one better after finishing runner-up last year. Francesco Molinari, 2018 Open Champion and Ryder Cup legend, adds gravitas with his first appearance at the Soudal Open. Nicolas Colsaerts, another Belgian Ryder Cup alum, returns to energize the home crowd. Jordan Smith and Matt Wallace of England are in strong form and eyeing upward movement in the Race to Dubai standings. Nacho Elvira, last year's champion, returns to defend his crown. Eugenio Chacarra, fresh off a win at the Hero Indian Open, adds further depth to the field. With a $2.75 million prize purse, the Soudal Open is shaping up to be one of the most competitive weeks on the DP World Tour calendar this spring. LPGA Returns to Mexico Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour celebrates a homecoming in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with the inaugural Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba. Taking place from 22–25 May at the spectacular El Camaleón Golf Course, the event marks the LPGA's first stop in Mexico since 2017. The 144-player field includes some of the game's biggest names: Charley Hull, Linn Grant, Leona Maguire, and Carlota Ciganda lead the international charge. Gaby López and María Fassi headline the home favorites, looking to inspire the next generation of Mexican golfers. This 72-hole stroke play event features a $2.5 million purse, with $375,000 going to the winner, underscoring its importance on the LPGA's global calendar. From junior prospects under desert skies to Ryder Cup points in the balance and a fresh start in Mexico, this week in golf truly spans the globe. Tournaments to Watch DP World Tour Soudal Open Rinkven International Golf Club, Antwerp, Belgium May 22–25 Purse: $2.75 million LPGA Tour Riviera Maya Open El Camaleón Golf Course, Playa del Carmen, Mexico May 22–25 Purse: $2.5 million UAE JAGA International Amateur Open Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, UAE May 23–25
