It’s not only the Emirati quartet of Ahmad Skaik, Khalid Yousuf, Khalifa Al Masaood and Rashid Al Emadi gaining invaluable experience at this week’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
The four UAE National Team players may be the only Emiratis taking on the stunning Championship Course at the 12th staging of the tournament, but a number of their junior teammates are also learning from some of the world’s best amateur golfers by volunteering at the prestigious event.
With the likes of China’s defending champion Yuxin Lin, who is aiming for an unprecedented third AAC title, and Japanese World No. 1 Keita Nakajima competing, it’s given the youngsters an opportunity to witness the dedication and talent of the game’s very best from inside the ropes.
“I had such an amazing experience in the first round of the tournament, as I had the opportunity to watch the leaders,” said Sultan Aljassmy, who represents the UAE National Team. “I learnt a lot from each player; they are all so respectful. I helped them look for the balls out on the course, and they were all so nice to me, which I was not expecting. They talked to me and gave me words of encouragement on how to become a better player.”
As well as the words of encouragement from the world’s top ranked amateurs, the UAE National Team were also inspired by one of their own during yesterday’s first round in the form of their teammate Ahmad Skaik.
Skaik, who is making his fourth appearance in the event, showed the juniors the rewards of working hard on your game after shooting an impressive two under par 69, to sit just two shots off the lead after 18 holes.
