Josh Hill becomes youngest player to win a golf ranking event

Remember the name and all that. Josh Hill has become the youngest player to win an Official World Golf Ranking event by claiming the Al Ain Open aged 15 years, six months and 27 days.

Hill, who was born and raised in Dubai, beats the previous record of 15 years and eight months set by Ryo Ishikawa at the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup in 2007.

This is incredible!

We can now confirm that at age 15 years six months and 27 days, Josh Hill is the youngest winner ever in an @OWGRltd event beating Ryo Ishikawa’s record of 15 years and 8 months.

Won the Al Ain Open by Arena at @AESGC today on 17-under par. pic.twitter.com/oNXer2mICP

— MENA Tour (@theMENATour) October 23, 2019

Hill shot 62 on the final day to finish on 17-under par and two shots clear of fellow Englishman Harry Ellis in the MENA Tour event.

But the teenager came away frustrated it wasn’t an even better day.

“I honestly could have broken 60 today,” said the England Under-18 player. “I’m actually a little disappointed with my finish because I missed so many opportunities coming in.

“I really don’t know what to say right now. I am shocked. If you had told me during the summer that I will be winning a MENA Tour title against professionals and become the youngest ever winner of an OWGR event, I would have laughed at the notion.

“I guess hard work pays.”

Though not in this case. As Hill still holds amateur status, Ellis will claim the £10,477 first prize.

The win will move Hill up to around World No. 1,200 when the Official World Golf Ranking is next updated.

Alex Perry

Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.