Revisiting the place where my golf journey started, The Els Club in Dubai, feels like a completion of a circle. As a young member at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, I participated in their Junior Programmes. It was during this period that my grandmother gave me a voucher for golf lessons at The Harmon Academy within The Els Club when I was around ten or eleven. After a few lessons with Claude Harmon, who returned to the US, I was coached by Justin Parsons, who now trains the defending Open champion, Brian Harman, among other PGA Tour players. I still regard him as a significant mentor.
The overwhelming support from family and friends for my tied eighth place in the recent International Series – Morocco on the Asian Tour has been heartwarming. Claude Harmon invited me to his Podcast – ‘Son of a Butch’, which was enjoyable. Currently, my main focus is securing my US Visa while living in the UAE and handling any other visa issues that could affect my global tournament participation. I am hopeful about obtaining a Dubai Golden Visa soon.
Having completed my five-year golf scholarship at Oklahoma State as an amateur and turned pro, I am now fully independent. The university team used to manage all my travel, accommodation, and administrative tasks, allowing me to concentrate solely on golf. Since returning to Dubai, I usually practice in the morning and play at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club in the evening when it’s cooler.
I aim to receive an invitation to the Asian Tour International Series in England in mid-August at Foxhills. Beyond that, my schedule is uncertain, but I plan to participate in the 2024 Korn Ferry Qualifying School starting in September in the US. Reflecting on my time in Morocco, I stayed with my friend Saud Al Sharif from Golf Saudi, and I believe the course in Rabat is one of the best in the MENA region.
I might also attempt the DP World Tour Qualifying School and explore other opportunities. It’s only been six weeks since I turned pro, so my plans are still fluid. It’s about reconnecting with my golf industry contacts to determine where and when I can play. My goal is to establish a schedule and status for my golf career, which will be my challenge for the remainder of this year. I’m not in a rush; that’s my plan for 2025.
I’ve been eating well at home in Dubai with my parents, and Allister Parlane from CH3 Performance Academy at The Els Club, along with my former coaches at Oklahoma State University, have been instrumental in keeping me fit, even remotely. I’ve recently signed with JMC Sport as my manager, a connection from long ago.
The recent Korn Ferry Tour event was a significant step for me. The tournament had a special atmosphere, known for requiring excellent play to make the cut. Adjusting in my second round, I felt comfortable and managed to make the cut, which I was proud of. I look forward to reconnecting with all my UAE golfing contacts; these are exciting times, and the hard work continues.
