Dubai-born Aasiya Saleem's journey in golf is nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting her unwavering commitment and talent from a tender age. From the exhilarating experiences on a Par 3 course at just seven years old to her current status as a member of the UAE National Team and an international champion, Aasiya's story is a testament to her innate skill and fervent love for the sport. Her progress in junior golf has been nothing short of impressive, marked by her exceptional abilities and resolute determination.
Among her many accomplishments, Aasiya played a crucial role in securing the Girls 15 and Under Division title for the UAE at the Pan Arab 2023 Golf Championships held at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, where she also earned a silver medal. She triumphed at the Yas Links Junior Open in Abu Dhabi with a commendable 74 under challenging windy conditions and tied for first place at the Montgomerie Ladies Open with a remarkable three-under par. Most recently, she made a significant impact by finishing tied 5th in a highly competitive field at the 54-hole Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championship in the Philippines, further solidifying her growing reputation on the international golf stage.
At just 12 years old, Aasiya clinched the Ladies Club Championship at Montgomerie Golf Club, a feat that highlights her as a rising star from the Club’s Troon Golf Academy Junior Development Programme. Aasiya, whose Sri Lankan parents have resided in the UAE for nearly four decades, proudly calls Dubai her home. She expresses immense honor in representing the UAE on the national team, a privilege afforded by her UAE passport.
“I am deeply grateful to Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Arab and Emirates Golf Federations, General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice-Chairman of Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), and Akram Skaik, Director General of the EGF, for providing me the opportunity to represent the UAE,” she said. “This has opened numerous doors for me to compete internationally and gain invaluable experience.
“I was born here and Dubai is my home. It’s where I grew up and learned my golf. So, when I represent the UAE National Team, I feel an immense sense of pride.” Aasiya’s journey is profoundly inspiring. The thrill of competition, particularly the exhilaration of making birdie putts, continues to drive her passion for the game. Beyond the sport, she has forged enduring friendships, illustrating how golf can cultivate lifelong bonds.
Reflecting on her beginnings, Aasiya shared, “None of my parents played golf, but my eldest brother did, and he was quite good. We lived near the Montgomerie Golf Club, so my Mum enrolled me in a group class when I was younger, and I instantly loved it. I started going regularly, increasing it to four or five times a week, and now I practice every day.”
A student at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Aasiya is resolute about her future in golf. “I hope to finish high school here in the next couple of years, then pursue university in the U.S.,” she says. “After that, my aim is to turn professional and begin qualifying for LPGA events.”
Aasiya Saleem looks up to two pivotal figures: Nelly Korda, a two-time LPGA major champion, and her father, Saleem Mohamed. While she admires Korda’s playing style and swing, she considers her father her primary inspiration due to his unparalleled work ethic. “I’ve had many role models growing up, both in golf and beyond,” Aasiya shares. “Nelly Korda is someone I admire for her game, but my biggest role model is definitely my dad. His hard work is unmatched, and observing him daily has instilled in me the importance of dedication and perseverance in my golf journey.”
