UAE’s rising golf star, Rayan Ahmed, reflects on his experience at the 15th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) held at Japan's prestigious Taiheiyo Club, stating that the tournament has fueled his ambitions for the coming year. The event, marked by intense competition, saw China’s Wenyi Ding excel, finishing with four rounds of 67 to secure victory at 12-under-par 268. Ahmed’s performance on this elite stage has further ignited his passion for future success.
Ding, who finished second last year and is ranked No 5 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), clinched the title by a narrow margin of one shot ahead of compatriot Ziqin Zhou. Japan had three players in the top six, while the leading Middle East player was Khalid Attieh from Saudi Arabia, who is set to turn professional with starts on the Asian Tour and a conditional card on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
Rayan Ahmed, aged 17, shot rounds of 74, 72, 73, 73 for a total of 292. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete in such a significant tournament, highlighting the comprehensive setup, player facilities, and media attention. Ahmed acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in his putting, and is eager to enhance his game. He is also proud to have represented the UAE and thanked the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) for their support.
Looking ahead, Ahmed is motivated to perform even better next year when the UAE hosts the 16th edition of the AAC at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. His goal is clear: to win the championship for the UAE. His next event is the EGF’s UAE Cup at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, where he hopes to build on the confidence gained from this week’s performance.
Competitors from various Middle East countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, participated in the AAC. The tournament, first played in 2009, is a prominent event in the Asia region, supported by The R&A, The Masters, and the APGC. For more information, visit www.aacgolf.com.
