Aayan Dadabhoy from Jumeirah Golf Estates recorded scores of 80 and 72, totaling 152 over 36 holes, securing 11th place in the Underrated Tour Championship at Liberty National Golf Club, New Jersey, USA. The event, hosted by basketball icon Steph Curry, witnessed Curry’s attendance.
Liberty National is renowned for hosting many PGA Tour events, including the 2021 Northern Trust won by Patrick Reed.
Aayan earned his spot in this prestigious Tour Championship by winning the European qualifier of the Underrated Golf Tour at Kittocks Course, Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland, in mid-August.
With rounds of 73 and a flawless final-round 67, he finished four under par, winning by three strokes, establishing himself as one of the UAE’s promising golf talents. He was among 28 boys aged 12-18 in the Tour Championship.
The tournament welcomed both boys and girls, with 28 girls also participating.
Most qualifiers advanced from the USA Division of the Underrated Tour. The format of the Curry Cup mirrored last year’s FedEx Cup, using a handicap system starting from five under par for the top qualifier to even par. Aayan began at two under par.
The Underrated Golf Tour, launched in 2022, aims to offer equitable opportunities for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or social class.
The Boys’ Division winner was Jayden Lizama with rounds of 74 and 67, while Julia Herzberg claimed the Girls’ Division title with scores of 73 and 73, winning by four strokes.
Another Middle Eastern participant was Daniil Sokolov from Qatar, who tied for seventh with rounds of 78 and 70.
Aayan shared with Khaleej Times, ‘The entire experience was incredible; the hospitality was unmatched. Competing with the world’s top juniors and finishing 11th was just the challenge I needed. The tournament was run like a professional event.
‘I played well overall, though my first round started poorly. I rebounded with seven birdies in my final round. I’m proud of my performance and scores.’
‘Looking forward, I aim to receive invites to the Challenge Tour or a UAE professional event. I’ve been invited to the Clutch Pro Tour events at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club and the Grand Final, which is thrilling. I also hope to compete in more professional tournaments in the region,’ Aayan concluded.
