It was the first time I have really been a Tournament Host of an event like the HSBC India Legends, says Dubai Golden Visa awardee
Returning to where my golf journey began, The Els Club in Dubai feels like coming full circle.
As a young member of Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, I took part in their Junior Programmes. It was during this time that my grandmother gifted me a voucher for a series of golf lessons at The Harmon Academy within The Els Club when I was just ten or eleven years old.
After a couple of lessons with Claude Harmon – he returned to the US and I was then coached by Justin Parsons – who now coaches defending Open champion, Brian Harman (no relation!) amongst other PGA Tour players - and I still consider him as a key mentor to this day. The rest is now history.
I have been overwhelmed by the response from family and friends to my tied eighth place in the recent International Series – Morocco on the Asian Tour. Claude Harmon invited me to be on his Podcast – ‘Son of a Butch’ which was fun to do.
Currently, my primary objective is to obtain my US Visa while residing in the UAE, along with addressing any other visa-related matters that may hinder my ability to travel for tournaments globally. I am optimistic about securing a Dubai Golden Visa within the upcoming weeks.s.
Now I have completed my five-year Oklahoma State golf scholarship as an amateur and turned professional – I am essentially all on my own – the university support team used to do all my travel, accommodation and administration stuff – I used to focus on playing and all matters golf.
Since being back in Dubai, I tend to hit balls in the morning and play some golf at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club under lights in the evening – when it is a little cooler.
I hope to get an invitation to the Asian Tour International Series in England in the second week of August at Foxhills.
After that I am not sure of my schedule – but I will definitely play in the 2024 Korn Ferry Qualifying School which starts in the US in September.
On reflection I loved being in Morocco – I stayed with my buddy Saud Al Sharif from Golf Saudi. In my opinion the golf course we played in Rabat is one of the best in the MENA region.
I may also try the DP World Tour Qualifying School and other opportunities.
It has been only six weeks since I turned professional – so my plans are not yet confirmed.
It is all about connecting with my golf industry contacts to see where and when I can play. I desire to try to get a schedule and status for my golf. That will be the challenge for the rest of this year. I am not in any particular hurry – that is my plan for 2025.
I have been eating well at home back in Dubai with my parents – Allister Parlane, from CH3 Performance Academy at The Els Club, has been helpful as have been my old team of coaches at Oklahoma State University in keeping me in shape – all be it, remotely.
‘I have now signed up with JMC Sport as my manager – I have known them from way back.’
The recent Korn Ferry Tour event was a big step up for me. The tournament had a real aura about it – it is well-known that you have to play well to make a cut. Once into my second round I adjusted and felt comfortable – and I took it from there to make the cut, which I was proud of.
I look forward to reconnecting with all my UAE golfing contacts – these are exciting times – the hard work continues.
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