Abu Dhabi-based Maya Palanza Gaudin proved she has a game that travels well after securing top spot at the US Kids European Championship (Girls Age 12 years-old Category) at The Glen Golf Club, just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Born in Ethiopia, the 12-year-old, who has lived in Abu Dhabi with her parents and younger sister for ten years, plays off a 2.7 handicap and was the 2021 Ladies Club champion at Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi.
Scotland threw everything it could at her – difficult course, cold, windy and rainy weather as well as tough competition, and she met every adversity with determination, grit, and a “can-do spirit.”
Gaudin topped the leaderboard after the first round, before dropping to second place, two shots behind the leader following the culmination of the second round. But the youngster fought back incredibly in the third and final round, which included no dropped shots on the front nine, to finish the tournament four shots ahead and secure the European Championship.
The US Kids Golf European Championship is the largest golf tournament of its kind across the continent and sees the next generation of golfing stars come together for three days of fierce competition. The 2022 tournament took place from 31 May to 3 June, across five golf courses in East Lothian, Scotland.
More than 500 junior golfers teed off over Craigielaw Golf Club, Glen Golf Club, Longnidrry Golf Club, Royal Musselburgh Golf Club and The Musselburgh Golf Club. Junior golfers from 46 countries were represented, with the farthest talent traveling over 7,000 miles from Chile to compete in the prestigious tournament.
The next international event on Gaudin’s schedule is the US Kids Golf World Championships in July at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina (USA).
