Rayan Ahmed from the UAE has secured an exemption for the 2024 US Junior Amateur Golf Championship, scheduled at Oakland Hills Country Club from 22nd to 27th July 2024. At 17, Rayan, a regular participant in EGF Order of Merit tournaments, earned his exemption by ranking among the top 100 age-eligible players in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) as of May 8th. He is one of 78 exempt players. Rayan's 2023-24 golf season has been remarkable, marked by winning two gold medals at the GCC Youth Games held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in April, representing the UAE. "It's incredible to compete against the world's best juniors and possibly see Charlie Woods and his father, which is thrilling," Rayan expressed. "My focus is sharp on making the cut and performing my best in the match play." Following the US Junior Amateur, Rayan has also been invited to participate in the Junior PGA Championship at Congressional CC, slated for July 30th to August 2nd, 2024, where he aims for another impressive performance. Organized by the USGA, the US Junior Amateur Golf Championship features a field of 264 players from an initial pool of 3,522, open to male golfers under 19. Qualifying rounds for non-exempt players were held across 18 holes at 42 venues from May 20th to June 24th, 2024. Charlie Woods, 15, led the qualifiers at Eagle Trace Golf Club with a one under par 71. The championship begins with a 36-hole stroke play qualifier across the South and North courses at Oakland Hills on Monday and Tuesday, with the top 64 advancing to match play. Past champions include notable names like Johnny Miller, David Duval, Tiger Woods, Brian Harman, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, Will Zalatoris, and Min Woo Lee.
Text: Lara Palmer
27.06.2024
UAE Golfer Rayan Ahmed to Compete Among Elite Juniors at Oakland Hills Country Club