Raghav Gulati made it a day to remember with a sensational final round of 65, propelling him to victory at the 2025 Faldo Junior Tour at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. With earlier rounds of 70 and 66, the 17-year-old from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club finished with -9 (201), to earn a three-shot victory over second-round leader Rayan Ahmed.
After 53 holes, Gulati and Ahmed were tied at eight under par, both playing in the final group. It was there, on the last hole, that a crucial birdie from Gulati sealed the deal.
Solid play in the Boys’ Under 16 division left both Emanuele Galeppini and Thomas Buchard tied at the top after 54 holes on -2 (208). Galeppini started the day two shots back of Buchard but a solid round of 65 forced a sudden death playoff. It took three playoff holes to finally crown Emanuele Galeppini as the eventual division winner.
In the Girls’ Under 16 division, it was a tightly contested race between Anca Mateiu from the Emirates Golf Club and Anayaa Sood from The Els Club, Dubai. With rounds of 69, 69, and 66, Mateiu triumphed with an impressive -6 (204), narrowly edging Sood by a single shot. Sood pushed Mateiu all the way on the back nine with birdies on each of the last three holes, but Mateiu handled the pressure well, also birdying both the 17th and 18th holes to hold on to the win.
Ananthi Vivek of India booked her place in the Faldo European Grand Final as she claimed a five-stroke victory on a -2 (208) total in the Girls’ Under 21 category. Her strong play in the first two rounds gave her a three-stroke lead going into the final round. A solid final round of 65 was more than enough for victory over second-placed Alayna Rafique, who posted a final-round 71 for a 213 total.
A big thank you to all 48 competitors who travelled from various parts of the world to compete. Safe travels home! Congratulations to all age category winners, whom we will welcome back to Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club for the European Grand Final in November.
