Sabiq Baji, 18
Professional golfer
Abu Dhabi Ports Men’s Open in 2022 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club; Medal Round at Bellville Golf Club at Cape Town in Feb 2023; consecutive Club Championships at Abu Dhabi Golf Club… these are just some of the many accolades that avid golfer Sabiq Baji has garnered over the past few years.
Sabiq’s journey in golf began when he was around six years old. His father, Saleem Baji, a regular golfer himself, noticed his son had a natural swing and a good understanding of the complexities of the game.
By the age of 13, Sabiq was fully committed to golf and claimed his first international victory in the Egypt Junior Masters Open Tour 2019 in Cairo, defeating the defending champion in the final round.
‘[Following this win] I had mixed feelings of relief and motivation,’ remembers Sabiq. ‘I felt that I had moved from being a parttime golfer to a player who could compete with the best talent from across the world,’
Playing across different courses and countries, his main challenge lies in adapting to the conditions of each course, such as the type of grass, sand, weather, and air density.
One of his best moments was the opportunity he reeived to caddy for Victor Dubbuisson in the 2022 Abu Dhabi HSBC Open. ‘I got a firsthand feel of what it was like to be a part of such a huge professional tournament and had the opportunity to be in the group of world’s best golfers during the tournament week. The cherry on top was the fact that my assistance played a part in Victor finishing tied 4th,’ he says.
Besides golf, Sabiq has excelled in soccer and athletics, winning the Sports Personality of the year award for four consecutive years at the Cambridge School (Grade 4-7). Since he used to get only a couple of hours to practice as he attended school, he opted for homeschooling after grade seven.
Currently, he is pursuing PGA Diploma at The Golf School of Excellence (TGSE), Cape Town, South Africa.
Sabiq’s journey in sports has taught him the art of patience and commitment. Despite being naturally energetic and restless as a child, he has transformed into a relaxed and methodical person who believes that dedication and belief in his efforts will lead him closer to achieving his dreams.
His dream? To play in the Sunshine Tour in South Africa, DP World Tour, and eventually, the PGA Tour.
