Adam Niaz is flanked by UAE PGA chief executive Luke Plump (left) and Trump International Golf Club, Dubai head professional Sven Nielsen.

By Kent Gray
The search for the next Rayhan Thomas is off to an impressive start.

After a seven-year hiatus, the first of the UAE PGA’s five event par 3 series for the Al Naboodah Trophy attracted 50 juniors to Trump International Golf Club, Dubai on Feb.24. And there was some impressive scoring on Trump’s pristine Par-3 course too, lead by Adam Niaz (pictured above).

Related: Rayhan Thomas reminisces as the Al Naboodah Trophy is revived

The Els Club, Dubai member negotiated Trump’s little links in 29 strokes, two-over-par, to pip Daniel Whittaker on countback (over the last three holes) for the division one title.

In division two, Alex Sherwin Cutinha (pictured below) won with a gross 36, four shots clear of Griffen McCarragher.

Thomas, the two-time defending champion from the last edition of the Al Naboodah Trophy in 2011, has gone on to create MENA Tour history, equal a world record for successive birdies in a pro event, qualify No.1 for the Internationals in the Junior Presidents Cup and will represent Asia-Pacific at the prestigious Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy in Doha next month.

He’s also verbally committed to Oklahoma State University, a pathway to pro golf UAE PGA chief executive Luke Plumb hopes some of the new generation of Al Naboodah Trophy participants will follow.

Related: Rayhan is a Cowboy and Rickie Fowler is delighted

“The level of competition was excellent with some great golf being played in both divisions. It was also nice to see the support and encouragement of all the parents driving their children from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai to play,” said Plumb who is also Golf Operations/Events Manager at Trump Dubai.

“The first tournament at Trump International gives us a platform to build on and grow the series with more participants and lower scores at each and every event. The future of golf in the UAE is in good hands”

The next event is scheduled for Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club on March 17. The series concludes with a grand final on May 12 at Emirates Golf Club.