15-year-old Josh Hill has become the youngest player to win an Official World Golf Ranking, OWGR, following his victory at the Al Ain Open at the MENA tour. The MENA tour is a tournament that hosts events in the Middle East and North Africa. Because the MENA tour is an OWGR tournament, it means that those who participate it receive world ranking points.

Hill, who is an amateur, finished 8-under 62 to become the winning, ahead of Harry Ellis, who he topped by two shots. Due to his amateur status, the $13,500 prize meant for the winner would be given instead to Ellis who is at second place.

By winning, Hill has just claimed a record formerly held by Japanese Ryo Ishikawa, who was 15 years and eight months old, when he broke the record. Hill achieved the feat at 15 years, six months, and 27 days old. Two months younger than Ishikawa. He is also the second-youngest player to earn world ranking points after Guan Tianlang who was 14.

Hill started the year off on a good note when he, at 14, succeeded in getting the card for the MENA Tour. He had also earlier finished in the top 10 spots in Abu Dhabi.
Although Hill is of English origin, he was born and raised in Dubai by his English parents. He entered the event as number 2,079 in world rankings, tied with players who had not gained any points in two years. But due to his performance, he is expected to move up to numbers near 1,200.

Speaking after the game, Hill expressed that he would have just laughed off any slight hope that he would have won the event or even break any record as he did not see that possible in any way. He also described himself as a hard worker, stating that he could have played a better game.

Many stars have expressed their delight at Hill’s performance, including Danny Willet, a former Masters champion, who described the win as “seriously impressive”.

Written by: Leon Osamor