Saturday 22 / February / 2025
MUSCAT: The world's best golfers were in action nearby at the Troon for the British Open.
The chance to see them play at The Open was the inspiration that Oman's Adam Al Barwani took as he became the first Omani junior golfer to win a title at The R&A Junior Open at Kilmarnock (Barassie) in Scotland recently.
Adam, the talented 15-year-old Omani, not only made the cut amid the strong field that comprised 66 boys' but also came up with a strong showing as he carded a total of 239 over three rounds.
Adam was among the early leaders on day one with an 80 and he repeated the score the next day before finishing off in style with 79 amid challenging conditions for a total of 239.
The total was enough for the Omani to make history as he claimed the coveted Eastern European & Middle East Trophy at The R&A Open with a score of 160.
Adam was followed by Domeniks Tralmaks of Latvia with a score of 158 among the 12 participants vying for the trophy.
The field in the Eastern European & Middle East class included golfers from Bahrain, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Turkey, and Poland.
First Omani to win a trophy at The R&A Junior Open It is the first time an Omani name has appeared on the trophy at The R&A Junior Open since its inception 24 years ago.
In his exclusive remarks to Times of Oman, Adam said: “I trained a lot in Oman and left three days early before the tournament to train with my coach Rick Valentine in Scotland. This allowed me to adapt to the Scottish weather and playing conditions.”
He added: “The tournament was held at Kilmarnock Barassie from 15-17 July. There were around 116 players from over 70 countries in both boys and girls categories. The conditions were tough, very windy, and rainy and cold, something I am not used to.”
Adam said: “I am very proud to have won the Eastern European and Middle Eastern Trophy. Being the first Omani to ever win this trophy is an amazing accomplishment not only for me but for my country. I believe that I am a better player and I hope to win more international trophies ahead. This success has certainly lifted my confidence.”
Adam thanked his parents and the Oman Golf Association (OGA) for their ongoing support and giving him the opportunity to participate in this prestigious event.
He said: “I have had wins at regional level in the past but this is, maybe, my most important amateur win. This tournament features the best juniors in the world – and to put up a good overall show is what I wanted and I achieved.”
Adam finished overall 33rd among the 45 golfers who made the cut in the boys' category.
OGA Vice-Chairman Faiz congratulates Adam Oman Golf Association (OGA) Vice-Chairman Faiz Mohammed Riaz congratulates Adam on the stupendous success and hopes that “this achievement is only the start of many more for Oman golf and youth.”
In his remarks to Times of Oman, Faiz said: “Congratulations Adam on your remarkable achievement in winning the Eastern European & Middle Eastern Trophy at The R&A Open. Your dedication, hard work, and talent have truly paid off, and we are all so proud of you.”
Faiz, who along with HH Sayyid Azzan Al Said, as OGA chairman, are spearheading a mission to not only promote golf among youth in Oman but also produce winners.
The OGA vice-chairman added: “Your [Adam] success serves as an inspiration to the young youth of Oman, showing them that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. Your victory not only brings glory to yourself but also shines a positive light on Omani sports and athletes.”
Faiz said that “as we celebrate Adam’s triumph, we also look towards the future of golf in Oman.”
He added: “At OGA we are committed to expanding the game of golf across the nation and nurturing young talents. We aim to provide more opportunities, resources, and support to aspiring golfers, creating a vibrant and thriving golfing community in Oman.”
The top OGA official said: “Adam’s proud achievement at the prestigious The R&A Junior Open is the start of many more laurels for Omani youngsters and we hope his success will inspire more Omani youth to take up the game.”
He added: “On behalf of the OGA, I would also thank the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their unwavering support to golf.
Their backing has helped the game grow and with their continuous support we hope to make the golfing community in Oman more vibrant and strong.”
OGA General Secretary Ahmed Al Jhdhamy was all praise of Adam’s success and said: “His win will pave the way for many more youngsters and we are encouraged by the growing pool of Omani golfers with us.”
Meanwhile, South Korean golfers Hyosong Lee and Seonghyeon An were crowned winners of The R&A Junior Open respectively.
Lee topped the girls' field by eight shots over Japanese player Anna Iwanaga thanks to a nine-under-par total of 207.
An ran out a four-shot winner over a quartet of players with a six-under 210 aggregate. Cooper Moore of New Zealand, Sweden's Edwin Sjodin, English player Alex Boyes, and 36-hole leader Aidan Lawson of Scotland shared second place on two-under-par.
