Josh Hill is just happy to be back doing what he does best after a tumultuous few days since his life-changing triumph at the Al Ain Open by Arena, which made him the youngest player ever to win an Official World Golf Ranking tournament.
Hill won the MENA Tour by Arena tournament at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club aged 15 years, six months and 27 days, breaking the existing record of 15 years and eight months by Japan’s ‘Bashful Prince’ Ryo Ishikawa.
The last couple of days have been a whirlwind for the Dubai-born and raised Hill, and he finally returned for a full round of golf on Sunday on the practice day of the $75,000 Ras Al Khaimah Open by Arena, which is being played at Tower Links Golf Club in the northern emirate.
“The last few days have been pretty crazy. I have been asked for interviews quite a few times. But I guess you have got to do them, keep level-headed and keep playing golf. I just can’t wait to get back there tomorrow.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) October 24, 2019
Hill has received congratulation messages from some of the biggest names in golf including Ian Poulter, Nick Faldo and Masters champion Danny Willett. It’s safe to say, that the teenager’s win at Al Ain has put his name out into the world of golf.
“I did not think much of it until BBC and Sky Sports started showing it and then I thought ‘Wow, it was a pretty big achievement’. It was all over social media, so it must have been good.”
Hill has been paired with the Leading Amateur on Journey To Jordan, Curtis Knipes, and Robin ‘Tiger’ Williams, who won the Journey To Jordan #2 a few weeks ago at Ayla Golf Club in Aqaba, Jordan.
“I am really looking forward to this week. I have got a great group tomorrow in Robin and Curtis. What happened in Al Ain is now in the past. I am just looking forward to staying humble, play some good golf and enjoy myself this week,” he added.
At the end of the Ras Al Khaimah Open by Arena, the ‘Penultimate Four’ incentive – a spot at the Panasonic India Open and the Thailand Open on the Asian Tour next month – will be decided. Amateur Williams leads the standings right now, but it will be a close battle with professional MG Keyser of South Africa and Daniel Gaunt of Australia, and amateurs Hill and Knipes.
The 54-hole tournament at Tower Links starts Monday, with the first tee time scheduled for 0650 UAE time. Cut will be applied for top 48 and tied pros after the second round.
