Friday 24 / October / 2025
DUBAI: There was a different kind of buzz at the Emirates Golf Club on Friday — not just the sound of drives cutting through the desert air, but the hum of excitement that followed wherever Song Joong-Ki went.
The celebrated South Korean actor and R&A Global Golf Development Ambassador brought a touch of cinematic sparkle to the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Dubai, inspiring a new generation of golfers with his trademark warmth and passion for the game.
Exuding star power, Song spent the morning chatting with players, sharing laughs, and taking in the intensity of one of amateur golf’s most prestigious tournaments — where 120 players from 41 nations, including Oman, are competing for invitations to The Masters Tournament and The 154th Open.
“The level of talent on display here at Emirates Golf Club is remarkable. It’s been a real honour to witness it,” said Song. “Watching these young players represent their countries with such confidence and skill is genuinely inspiring. I hope children across Asia see this and think, maybe that could be me one day.”
A passionate golfer himself, Song spoke about how the AAC embodies the sport’s growing reach and diversity across the Asia-Pacific region.
“Championships like this show how global golf has become,” he reflected. “Every swing, every putt tells a story of dedication and belief. You can see how much work these players have put in to reach this level. It makes me even more passionate about helping more young people discover the game.”
As an R&A Ambassador, Song plays a key role in promoting golf’s accessibility and inclusivity, connecting sport and culture to inspire new audiences. His visit to Dubai highlighted The R&A’s commitment to broadening the game’s global appeal — and to making golf a sport where everyone feels welcome.
Song spent time with several competitors, including Minsu Kim (Korea), Haoyi Wang (China), TK Chantananuwat (Thailand), Troy Storm (Singapore), Rayhan Latief (Indonesia), and Rintaro Nakano (Japan) — each a reflection of the region’s next generation of talent. He also gamely joined them in a friendly golf challenge, showcasing his smooth swing and surprising the young players with his skill.
Seventeen-year-old Minsu Kim from South Korea was particularly impressed. “He’s really good at golf! I was honestly surprised to see him pull off things I couldn’t. His swing is excellent, and he was so encouraging. It was truly enjoyable,” said Kim.
Eighteen-year-old TK Chantananuwat from Thailand, the youngest winner of a men’s professional event, laughed as he recalled a challenge moment. “He had to hit a driver off the volley — which he nailed after a few tries! He’s such a nice guy, asking all about golf and where we play. It was a fun time.”
And Japan’s Rintaro Nakano (21), who finished third at last year’s AAC, said, “I was surprised to see someone as famous as Song Joong-Ki here. It was a pleasure to meet him and we had a great time together.”
As the tournament progresses, Song Joong-Ki says what inspired him most was not just the players’ talent, but their energy, humility, and love for the sport.
“Golf teaches patience and focus, but these players also bring joy and ambition,” he said. “If their stories inspire even one young person to pick up a club for the first time, that’s a wonderful outcome.”
End of campaign for Omani duo
Representing Oman at this year’s championship are Azzan Al Rumhy and Ahmed Al Wahaibi, proudly carrying the Sultanate’s colours against the continental elite.
Both players missed the cut after the second round to bring their campaign to an end on Friday evening, but their participation marked another step forward for Omani golf, which continues to ensure that local golfers get the platform to compete at the top level.
Competing in such a world-class field provided valuable experience and underlined Oman’s increasing presence in international amateur golf.
For Oman’s most experienced golfer at international stage, Al Rumhy, who has been a regular at the AAC since 2014, it was yet another edition where he failed to make the cut.
On Friday, Al Rumhy had a much better display as he finished with a score of six over 78 to end the tournament with a combined score of 163, 19 over par, following his 85 in the first round.
On Thursday, Al Wahaibi had carded 10 over 82 and came up with a similar score on Friday as he closed out another 82, to end his campaign for a total of 164, 20 over par.
