UAE-based teen golfer to test his game against world's best

George Pendleton-Nash is heading to the States to compete in elite junior events

UAE-based teenager George Pendleton-Nash is set to test his game against some of the world’s best up-and-coming golfers when he travels to the Optimist Junior International Junior Golf Championship next week.

The 13-year-old is no stranger to success on the UAE circuit, finishing second in the Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) Order of Merit this year as well as being crowned Junior Open champion at Tower Links, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The Gems Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis pupil will now try and replicate that form in the States, beginning with the prestigious Optimist Junior International Junior Golf Championship, which has been won by Major champion Jason Day.

The tournament, held at Trump International Doral, will bring together some of the world’s most talented young competitors, many of whom have the potential to become leading collegiate and professional golfers in the future.

Former entrants into the event include Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Lexi Thompson and Tiger Woods.

The EGF member, who will play under the UAE flag in the U.S., will then tee it up at the Hurricane Junior Tour at Orange County National in Orlando, before heading to the United Kingdom to compete at a range of North-West Junior Opens.

“I am looking forward to traveling to the USA and UK this summer to test my golf against some of the world’s most talented players and courses,” Pendleton-Nash told Gulf News.

“In particular, I can’t wait to play on the ‘Blue Monster’ at Trump Doral. It’s such a famous course and I’ve heard so much about its challenges.

“Over the last 12 months, I’ve been working really hard on my swing. Nathan (Kernaghan) at Claude Harmon III Performance Golf Academy has been a fantastic coach, and thanks to his guidance, I’ve managed to drop my handicap by 10 shots.

“I’m feeling more confident than ever and can’t wait to see how I perform against other young golfers from around the world.”

Nathan Kernaghan added: “George has progressed tremendously quickly in the two years that he has been at the Claude Harmon Academy, largely because of an excellent sporting background in football in particular.

“Because of this he has always approached things with an athlete’s mindset and learning how to navigate his way around a golf course has come naturally to him. Between taking part in our Future Champions Pathway Program at the Academy and competing in junior events around the region, he has always excelled and won at his level.

“This will definitely stand him in good stead when he tests his game in a bigger arena when he reaches the US and UK this summer. This trip will allow him to see the best of junior golf up close and learn the steps that we can take to help him get there in the next few years.”