- 31
- May
- 2025
At just 15 years old, the Lebanese prodigy clinches the continental title and raises the national flag high on the Scottish greens.
She conquered the wind, the courses, and the favorites. In Scotland, the historical home of golf, young Lebanese prodigy Lara Bakhour achieved a stunning feat by winning the Junior European Championship (ages 15–18) at the prestigious Royal Musselburgh Golf Club. A triumph that makes Lebanon shine far beyond its usual fairways.
A Star Named Lara
Over three intense days of competition, the representative of “Team Lebanon” went head-to-head with the best young golfers from 19 European nations, holding her own with composure and skill against Bulgaria’s Vaya Georgieva (2nd) and Belgium’s Garance Guibels (3rd). Scoring 224 points over 72 Olympic-standard holes, Lara managed to maintain her lead during the most decisive moments.
“Lara was outstanding. She played her golf—focused, clear-headed, and above all, she never wavered,” said an emotional member of the technical staff.
Lebanon Applauds
The president of the Lebanese Golf Federation, Karim Salaam, was quick to praise his champion’s performance:
“This is a moment of pride for our sport and for the entire country. Lara represents a generation of young Lebanese who shine through perseverance and excellence.”
Salaam also thanked the coaching staff, the Bakhour family—especially her father Chadi Bakhour, who was by her side in Scotland—and extended “a greeting to all Lebanese awaiting national achievements in these difficult times.”
A Meteoric Rise
This European crown is just another step in an already impressive journey for young Lara. A member of the national team, she lives and trains in Dubai, yet never misses a chance to represent Lebanon.
On May 12, This is Beirut had already highlighted her performance at the Arab Junior Championship in Egypt, where she won a well-earned silver medal. Since then, she has continued to rise and rack up prestigious results. She claimed:
• 1st place at the Cedar Cup in Ajman
• 1st place at the Spring International Cup in Lebanon
And now, European glory on the Scottish greens.
“I dedicate this title to the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, and to my country Lebanon, which is going through so many challenges but continues to shine,” declared the champion, with a radiant smile and a heart full of patriotism.
An Officially Ranked Player
Thanks to this victory, Lara Bakhour now joins the elite group of internationally ranked players, as the Scottish competition is part of the official calendar of the International Golf Federation (IGF).
And to think—she’s only 15 years old…
For those still searching for the new face of Lebanese sports, she may have already arrived—club in hand, eyes filled with determination, ready to make history.
This is the story of Lara Bakhour, a rising star from a Lebanon that keeps aiming for the green, against all odds.
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