A little while ago we told you about our fun new initiative, Yalla’s Rising Stars, which aims to encourage children to take up a new sport or hobby by sharing stories of Abu Dhabi’s inspirational young talents and showcasing the huge range of opportunities available around the Capital.
So now, we’re excited to be able to introduce you to our first ever Rising Star, 7 year old golfing superstar Maya. Maya has been playing golf for around two years, and is a junior golf member at Yas Links Golf Club and part of their elite junior coaching program ( which is impressive enough for a 7 year old!). We caught up with Maya to find out more…
"Golf is one of the only sports that we will be able to play together as a family, regardless of anyone's age or ability"
After impressing us all with her shots on the driving range (and with a few gymnastic routines thrown in for good measure!), we caught up with Maya and her Dad, Stephen, to find out more about the girl behind the golf swing…
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself Maya
Maya: I am 7 years old and I live in Abu Dhabi with my Mum, Dad, and little sister. I go to school at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and I am in year 3. When I grow up, I want to be a professional golfer or an astronaut doctor [said with a huge, beaming grin!]
Q: You’re only 7 years old and you’re already an amazing golfer! How old were you when you started playing golf?
Maya: I started playing golf when I was 5
Q: That’s very impressive! How did you get into golf?
Maya: I started playing golf because I watched my Dad play and I wanted to join in….and now I beat him- wahoooooooo!
Stephen: It’s true! [Hanging his head in defeat and with a little chuckle]
Q: We saw on the driving how passionate you are about golf, so what is it that you love about the game?
Maya: I get excited every time I play golf! I like being outside and I like the challenge. What I love most though is that I can play golf with my Dad and my Papa who is older than 70 [letting out a little giggle at the same time!]
Stephen: I was super excited when Maya wanted to take up golf. Golf is a sport that she will be able to play for her entire life, and it is one of the only sports that we will be able to play together as a family, regardless of anyone’s age or ability. Golf doesn’t just teach Maya the physical aspects of the game and help to keep her healthy, but it teaches her important life skills like respect, etiquette, and communication
Q: That’s so true, and I hope that Maya’s story encourages more children to take up golf. So, what’s your favourite golf course Maya?
Maya: Yas Links! I play on the Academy course a lot. One of my best rounds I shot was 37 and that was in the Future Falcons competition that I won. I have started to play on the Links Course and I love being in the golf buggy
Q: It sounds like you have had a lot of great achievements in the short time that you have been playing golf, well done! What are you most proud of?
Maya: At the HSBC Championships this year I got to tee off with Rory McIlroy after I won the Future Falcons series at Yas Links. It was great to meet him and I was really proud of the shot that I hit in front of the big crowd. Everyone was cheering for me!
Stephen: Maya won the Future Falcons series in her age group and played really well- she hit 5 out of 9 greens and 2-putted every hole except for one. And she did all of that after having not played in almost a month as we had been on vacation. When it came to Maya teeing off with Rory McIlroy, I could hardly watch! I was so nervous, but she was totally confident and relaxed.
Q: And Maya’s already started competing internationally I understand?
Stephen: Maya played in the Drive, Chip, & Putt competition in America last year and made it through several rounds of qualifying- just one away from going to Augusta- and won a longest drive competition during the tournament. We were so proud of her!
Q: That’s amazing! So, we know that you’re part of the Yas Lynxes program. Have you picked up any tips you can share with us?
Maya: I have been having lessons at Yas Links for two years now and I have moved up to the elite group. My coach is Reynard, and is helping me to hit my driver further [excitedly showing us what she has just learnt in her lesson earlier today]
Q: There’s just time for one more question- who are your favourite golfers?
Maya: Easy! Jack Nicklaus, Rickie Fowler, and Dustin Johnson
Junior Development Program at Yas Links Golf Club
Yas Links Golf Club’s junior development program, Yas Lynxes, offers children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to take up the game of golf in a fun and relaxed setting. Combining games and activities, children will learn the fundamentals of golf, develop key motor skills, and make some new friends along the way.
There are four 9-week courses running from the middle of February, starting from AED599 per child; Little Lynxes for children aged 4-6, Fun Lynxes for children aged 6-9, Smash Lynxes for children aged 9-12, and Train Lynxes for children aged 12-15.
For more information or to book your child’s place, please contact April or Renard on 02 810 7710 or email golfacademy@yaslinks.com
Are you a teacher or a coach in Abu Dhabi? If so, we want to hear from you! If you know a Rising Star and you think that your club should be included in our exciting new feature then please get in touch at yalla@yallauae.ae
