Dubai born and raised Josh Hill etched his name into the history books with victory at the Al Ain Open by Arena at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club, becoming the youngest ever winner of an Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) event at the age of 15.
Hill, who is the reigning Al Ain Men’s Open champion for the past two years and also won the Faldo Series Middle East Championship on the same course, shot a stunning final round eight under par 62 to finish on 17 under and win by two ahead of Harry Ellis.
Aged 15 years, six months and 27 days old, Hill broke the record previously held by Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa, who was 15 years and eight months when he won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup in May 2007.
“I really don’t know what to say right now,” said Hill after overturning Ellis’ three shot lead. “I am shocked. If you had told me during the summer that I will be winning a MENA Tour title against professionals and become the youngest ever winner of an OWGR event, I would have laughed at the notion. I guess hard work pays.
“I am actually a little disappointed with my finish because I missed so many opportunities coming in. I honestly could have broken 60 today. I knew I needed a good start, and once I got it, I just kept hitting one good shot after the other.”
Ellis had to be satisfied being the bridesmaid for the second tournament in a row after finishing tied second in the Abu Dhabi Open by Arena. He finished on 15-under par and the consolation this time was the winner’s cheque of $13,500. Another England amateur, Curtis Knipes (66) was tied third at 13 under par alongside American Ben Schlottman (65).
