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Rayan Ahmed has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first UAE National to secure a full NCAA Division I Golf Scholarship, signing with the University of California, Irvine for the Fall 2026 season.
Rayan Ahmed
The landmark achievement represents a defining moment for UAE golf, underscoring the continued growth of the sport within the country and the success of elite player development pathways supported by the Emirates Golf Federation.
Ahmed will join a highly competitive collegiate program at UC Irvine under the guidance of Head Coach Paul Smolinski, entering one of the top-tier environments in U.S. college golf.
Rayan Ahmed – Ras Al Khaimah Amateur Open – Tommy Dickson
Widely regarded as one of the UAE’s most promising young talents, Ahmed began playing golf at the age of 13 and quickly progressed into competitive play by 15.
Now at just 19 years old, Ahmed is a key member of the UAE National Team and has built an impressive résumé of victories across regional and international events. His recent form has been particularly exceptional:
- February 2026 – Winner, Ras Al Khaimah Amateur Open, finishing at 8-under-par (208) with a commanding nine-shot victory, highlighted by a tournament-low 64.
- February 2026 – Winner (Overall & U-23 Boys Division), GJG UAE Junior Championship (JAGA), posting rounds of 65-67-69 (-9)
- September 2025 – Winner, Oman Amateur Championship
- October 2025 – Winner, AJGA Tommy Fleetwood Invitational (Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates), shooting 69-67-66 to finish at 14-under-par
- October 2025 – Winner, Faldo Series (Els Club, Dubai) with a 6-under total (70–67–73)
Ahmed’s success on the course, combined with multiple victories contributing to his World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), reflects both his individual dedication and the strength of the UAE’s national golf development system.
His scholarship to UC Irvine marks a major milestone not only in his personal journey but also for the Emirates Golf Federation’s long-term vision of nurturing world-class talent capable of competing on the global stage.
The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from the Emirates Golf Federation, including HE General Abdulla Al Hashmi, alongside stakeholders, partners, and members of the local golf community.
Commenting on the milestone, HE General Abdullah Al Hashmi said: “Rayan is extremely dedicated, committed, and disciplined, with a character and identity that truly set him apart. He is a fighter and already performs with the mindset and professionalism of an elite athlete. The whole nation is proud of Rayan’s achievements, and the Emirates Golf Federation will continue to support him as he raises the UAE flag in the United States and on the international stage.”
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