Ethan Banger, a 15-year-old prodigy from Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, made history at the Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series presented by DP World by achieving the first-ever hole-in-one in the tournament’s history. His remarkable dedication was evident as he managed to balance his academic commitments with his passion for golf, despite having a Physics Paper 2 mock exam scheduled for the same day. Ethan requested special permission from his school to reschedule his exam so he could compete in the tournament at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah on Sunday, showcasing his determination to pursue both his educational and athletic dreams.
On the par-3 fourth hole, Banger executed a flawless shot with an eight iron from 163 yards, sinking his ace and leaving fellow players and spectators in awe. 'This is my first hole-in-one, ever—whether in a tournament or practice,' said Banger. 'It was an amazing feeling to see the ball disappear into the hole!'
Ethan's story highlights the supportive educational culture in the UAE, where schools encourage students to excel in both academics and sports. Educational institutions in the UAE often offer flexibility in their schedules to accommodate students' sporting aspirations, demonstrating the country's highly adaptive education system. Initiatives like these send a powerful message to young people, showing them that they don’t have to choose between sports and academics but can pursue their passions in both fields without compromising on their goals.
Ethan's historic hole-in-one was just one of many thrilling moments at the Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series, an event supported by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). This prestigious tournament serves as a qualifying event for the 2024-25 EGF Boy’s and Girl’s Junior Order of Merits and is also a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) qualifier supported by The R&A, providing valuable points for young golfers aiming to make their mark.
As the second instalment of a three-part series, the tournament continues to attract top talent from across the UAE and beyond. Ethan’s historic ace has only added to the growing excitement surrounding this highly anticipated event. The overall division winner was 17-year-old Raghav Gulati from Dubai Creek Resort, while the Female Divisional was won by 17-year-old Kanchana Duangsam (USA), who represents the VSGA Golf Circuit in America and lives in Doha, Qatar.
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