Josh Hill, 15, excited to make European Tour debut at Omega Dubai Desert Classic

The teenage golfer made global headlines in October and will now be competing alongside the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Sergio Garcia

Josh Hill will be making back-to-back appearances on the European Tour in the UAE. Courtesy Mena Golf Tour
Powered by automated translation

Fast-rising Dubai golf star Josh Hill says he can’t wait to tee it up at next month’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The teenager, born in the emirate, sealed his place at the European Tour stop by finishing as the top amateur on this season’s Mena Tour.

Aged 15, Hill made headlines around the world in October by triumphing at the circuit's Al Ain Open. In doing so, he became the youngest winner of an Official World Golf Ranking event.

With the Mena Tour’s Journey to Jordan amateur title secure, the Englishman has set sights on mixing it with the some of the world’s top professionals at Emirates Golf Club from January 23-26.

The tournament will feature defending champion Bryson DeChambeau and a number of former winners, including major champions Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett.

“I can’t wait to make my European Tour debut and it will be even more special to do it at home in Dubai,” Hill said. “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.”

Another teenager, Jayden Schaper, has been handed an invite to compete. The South African, 18, has enjoyed a fine end to the year, too, winning the illustrious AJGA Junior Players Championship in September. Schaper was then selected for the International team at the Junior Presidents Cup.

“My game has really come on this year and to receive this invite is another fantastic achievement,” Schaper said. “To test my game against some of the best players on the European Tour will be an incredible experience, especially at an event as iconic as this one. I really am already counting down the days.”