Josh Hill claims Faldo Series Middle East title
31 March 2017: Josh Hill from England played some terrific golf to win the Faldo Series Middle East Championship by four shots at Al Ain Golf Club in Abu Dhabi. The 16-year-old fired brilliant rounds of 68, 68 & 69 on the newly redeveloped course. Hill’s heroics are rewarded with a place in the Faldo Series Grand Final.
Hill’s three sub-70 rounds broke the back of a field that was itself posting a number of great scores. In his Under-16 category Hill was untouchable. For Hill to post 32 on the final back nine whilst holding the Championship lead was a testament to his ability and poise. Indian National Hoshi Yadav fired the round of the week as he closed with a 66 on the Par 70 course.
Sir Nick Faldo’s personal coach Keith Wood was on hand all week to help the players work on their game. It didn’t take long for the renowned coach to note how well the regions’ young golfers have pushed on in the five years the Championship has run.
Defending champion Mikkel Mathiesen finished runner-up overall with very credible rounds of 68, 74 and 67 – usually winning scores on this tough course. The Dane will have the consolation of returning to the season finale as he won his Under-21 division by two shots ahead of Hoshi Yadav.
The Under-21 also featured strong scoring as Indian Arkesh Bhatia shot 69, 74 and 71 to claim his place in the Grand Final. Bhatia was adept at steering clear of the many traps and hazards of the course as he held off Abdullah Al Qubaisi to win. Al Qubaisi represented the Emirates Golf Federation.