Two of international golf’s most promising junior talents – Josh Hill and Jayden Schaper – will showcase their skills at the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic next month where they will go toe to toe with some of the biggest names in the professional game.
Hill (above) burst into the limelight in October when he became the youngest ever winner of an Official World Golf Ranking event at the MENA Tour’s Al Ain Open at the age of 15.
A final round 62 saw the Englishman, who was born and raised in Dubai, clinch the title and generate headlines around the world, and his appearance in Dubai will give him an even bigger stage for him to strut his stuff.
“I can’t wait to make my European Tour debut and it will be even more special to do it at home in Dubai,” said Hill, who, as an amateur, who had to forego the $13,500 winner’s cheque in Al Ain. “I’ve been coming to watch this tournament for years, so to be wandering inside the ropes will be a completely different experience.”
“To have this opportunity so early in my career is amazing and it will be so cool seeing the best players up close. I just hope I’ll be able to give them a good game.” – Josh Hill
Similarly, the reputation of Schaper (below) has been on the rise in his native South Africa for several years, but more recently the 18-year old has been garnering international attention, not least as a result of his AJGA Junior Players Championship win in the United States in September.
That followed on from an unprecedented ‘grand slam’ of amateur ‘Nomads’ titles as he became the first to ever youngster win the under-13, 15, 17 and 19 events. These consistently strong performances led Schaper to being selected as a member of the International Team for the Junior Presidents Cup Team, in which he competed against the U.S. Team at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
Recognition of the pair’s amazing amateur achievements, will see them star alongside the likes of defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, in addition to former winners Rafa Cabrera Bello, Sergio Garcia, Haotong Li, Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett, amongst numerous others, who are all set to return to Emirates Golf Club from 23-26 Jan.
