UAE’s emerging golf prodigy, Rayan Ahmed, has expressed his heightened aspirations for the coming year after participating in the thrilling 15th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) held at Japan's renowned Taiheiyo Club. The competition was fierce, with China’s Wenyi Ding showcasing exceptional skill, shooting four consecutive rounds of 67 to secure the title with an impressive 12-under-par 268. Ahmed’s performance on this prestigious platform has further fueled his passion for future triumphs. Ding, who finished second last year and is currently ranked No 5 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), clinched the title by a narrow margin of one stroke ahead of fellow countryman Ziqin Zhou. Japan secured three spots in the top six finishers. The top Middle Eastern player was Khalid Attieh from Saudi Arabia, who is set to turn professional, gaining access to the Asian Tour and a conditional card on the Asian Development Tour (ADT). Rayan, aged 17, scored rounds of 74, 72, 73, and 73, totaling 292. Reflecting on the week, Ahmed stated, “It was an incredible experience to compete in such a significant tournament. The entire setup, facilities, and media attention were top-notch. I am eager to apply the many lessons I’ve learned, particularly focusing on improving my putting. This week offered substantial WAGR points due to the high-caliber field, and I hope my ranking improves. I am honored to have represented the UAE and extend my gratitude to the EGF, especially General Abdullah Alhashmi and the team.” Ahmed is now focused on catching up on schoolwork before heading to the AJGA Tommy Fleetwood Pathway Series tournament at Jumeirah Golf Estates and the UAE Cup. This week’s experience has bolstered his confidence, especially after achieving his career-best score of 63 in a JAGA event. Golfers from Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE participated in the AAC, which is the premier amateur golf event in the Asia region, first held in 2009 and supported by The R&A, The Masters, and the APGC. For more information, visit www.aacgolf.com.