Sara Ali expresses her anticipation for the historic opportunity to be the first Emirati participant in the 54-hole Junior Open, organized by The R&A from 15th to 17th July 2024. The biennial event, traditionally held close to The Open venue, will this year take place at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club, adjacent to The Open at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland from 18th to 21st July. The R&A invites golf federations worldwide to nominate their top boy and girl golfers under the age of 16. Sara will compete alongside Abdullah Darwish (UAE) among 120 participants, both male and female. Established in 1994 and managed by The R&A since 2000, boys and girls compete in the same event but from different tees. At 15 years old with a 2.5 handicap, Sara remarked upon receiving her invitation: "I am ecstatic to be playing in The Junior Open, as the first Emirati to do so, it's incredibly exciting." She will travel to Scotland for the first time, accompanied by her father, and looks forward to experiencing golf in vastly different conditions compared to the UAE and the region, calling it a significant challenge. "Moreover, we have the chance to attend The Open, which is part of the Junior Open experience. I am eagerly looking forward to that as well." A total of 71 countries have confirmed participation, including an invitation from the European Disabled Golf Association. Participating countries include Jordan, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the UAE. Notable past champions include Patrick Reed (US) who won in 2006 at Heswall Golf Club during The Open at Royal Birkdale, won by Padraig Harrington (Ire), and Jordan Spieth (US) who was runner-up in 2008 at Hesketh Golf Club during The Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, won by Tiger Woods. This year, the England boys representative is Cameron Mukherjee, the winner of the 2023 UAE World Amateur Junior Championship held at Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah in December 2023.