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Jumeirah Golf Estates proudly hosted the annual Junior Open, where 63 skilled junior golfers took to the Fire Course in an 18-hole strokeplay event. Juniors were separated into Gross and Net divisions (Division A and B respectively), as well as separate divisions for boys and girls, so there were plenty of prizes up for grabs in the highly anticipated Junior Open.
The Jumeirah Golf Estates Junior Open 2026 was concluded with a two-hole play-off between Alexander Rushika, representing the Emirates Golf Federation, and Ananya Sood, representing The Els Club, both posting an incredible 6-under gross 66. After both carding birdies on the par-5 18th hole in the first play-off hole, they returned to tee it up again. Coming out on top the second time, and winning the Jumeirah Golf Estates Junior Open 2026, was Ananya Sood. She secured the win with a comfortable birdie, just beating Alexander, who, after playing some fantastic golf all day, could only make par.
The Boys’ Division A showcased superb golf across the board. Standing out from the rest with an impressive 6-under gross 66 was Alexander Rushika, who continues his incredible run of form. With second place awarded on countback, Thomas Buchard came out on top over Riccardo Bianchi to claim runner-up spot after both carded 3-under gross 69.
Ananya Sood was not only the Jumeirah Golf Estates Junior Open 2026 champion but also the Girls’ Division A winner, with a commanding nine-shot lead, posting a great score of 6-under gross 66. Taking the runner-up position in this division, carding a steady round of 3-over gross 75, was Paris Calik. Rounding off Girls’ Division A in third place was Lara Bakhour, whose score of 6-over gross 78 was enough to secure a podium finish.
The Boys’ Division B was claimed by Charif Mahsni, who carded an incredible 10-under net 62, winning by a comfortable three shots and showcasing his skill and accuracy at a young age. The runner-up was Archie Appleyard with a solid round of 7-under net 65. In third place, narrowly missing out with a fine score of 6-under net 66, was Gary Feng.
Winning the Girls’ Division B by eight shots, posting an impressive 7-under net 65, was Aarya Ganguly. She played some excellent golf on the Fire Course in testing conditions to claim victory. Finishing as runner-up in this division, with a steady 1-over net 73, was Ishika Kaul.
Kieran Blackshaw, Golf Experience Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: “It was a great day out on the Fire Course, with a superb finale. The course was in fantastic condition, so a massive thank you to the Jumeirah Golf Estates agronomy team for their continued efforts – it really showed today.”
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Main Image: Jumeirah Golf Estates
