At just 16, Imogen Hall is already doing what most young players only talk about. Winning, travelling, learning and quietly building a game that looks very comfortable under pressure. The Emirates Golf Federation Junior Order of Merit winner is part of a new wave coming through in the UAE, but there is something a little different about her. Spend time around Hall and you get the sense of a player who knows exactly where she is heading, but is still enjoying every step along the way.
EARLY STARTS AND BIG DREAMS
Like so many in the game, it all began with a bucket of balls and a parent who loved golf. Hall was introduced to the sport by her dad, tagging along to the range from as young as four or five before properly picking it up a few years later.
“I started playing golf properly when I was about nine years old, but I was kind of always into it from maybe like four or five. I used to go to the driving range with my dad when I was really young.”
At that stage, it was just fun. No pressure, no plan. That changed during a family trip to the United States, when the idea of college golf entered the picture and suddenly gave the whole thing direction.
“We discovered US college and golfing scholarships and stuff. We did loads of research and realised it was such a cool opportunity. That’s when I started taking it a bit more seriously.”
DUBAI BASE, GLOBAL OUTLOOK
Hall has spent the majority of her life in the UAE, moving to Dubai at the age of seven. It is a setting that has quietly become one of the strongest development environments in the game, and she is quick to recognise it.
“The opportunity that you have here is literally like nowhere else. If you want to get good at golf here, you have absolutely everything. The facilities, the tournaments, everything is here.”
There is also a strong sense of community within the junior scene, something that has helped shape her experience.
“Dubai is kind of a small place and everyone knows everyone, so it’s such a nice little circuit that we have.”
Her schedule, however, is anything but small. Winters in the UAE are followed by summers in the UK, where conditions and course styles present a completely different test.
“It’s definitely different. It’s a different type of golf you have to play. I’m going to Scotland which is going to be links golf and super windy, so quite different to here.”
A SEASON THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Winning the 2024 25 Emirates Golf Federation Junior Order of Merit proved to be more than just a title. It was the moment Hall fully committed to her journey.
“That was such a good season. I think that was when I started really deciding that I want to set my mind to getting really good.”
With that decision came a lifestyle change, including moving into homeschool to allow more time for training and competition.
“It was a really good season. I had a lot of fun. I really enjoy all the tournaments and seeing everyone.”
There is that word again. Fun. It is easy to forget how important that is at this stage, but Hall clearly has not.
BUILDING A COMPLETE GAME
On the course, Hall’s game is developing in all the right areas. She describes herself as naturally consistent off the tee, but like most modern players, she is chasing more speed.
“I’ve always been kind of consistent off the tee. I’m trying to put on some speed at the moment, but you have to manage accuracy as well when you do that.”
The biggest gains, however, have come on the greens, where focused work has paid off.
“The biggest improvement in my game over the last year has been my putting. I started doing lessons and going to TFA with Michael Sweeney and he changed my putting.”
She has also embraced AimPoint Express, which has added another layer of confidence.
“I’ve been doing AimPoint Express, which is amazing. I’d say that at the moment is my strength.”
Away from the long game, the priorities are clear. Short game and physical development.
“Short game is the most important thing because it really helps bring the scores down. And getting in the gym as well, making sure my body is suited for golf.”
LEARNING TO HANDLE THE MOMENT
Golf at any level is a mental test, and Hall is already developing a healthy relationship with pressure. She does not try to avoid nerves. She embraces them.
“You still feel nervous, but I think it’s such a privilege to feel nervous. It shows that you care.”
For her, it all comes back to preparation and trust.
“As long as you trust yourself, know that you’ve prepared well and recognise the hard work you’ve put in, it really comes down to self belief.”
It is a mature outlook, shaped by a growing list of competitive experiences and a support network that continues to guide her.
“I think the main one is everyone at TFA. Tommy is always around and he’s such an inspiration. We see how he practices and his attitude. It’s truly inspirational. And of course my parents. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do any of this.”
LOOKING AHEAD WITH INTENT
The roadmap is already in place. A move to the United States in 2027, a focus on climbing the WAGR rankings, and a long term ambition to turn professional.
“My main goals are to get my WAGR ranking as best as I can. Getting below 1000 will be really good. I’ve got a big summer schedule coming up with some high level events.”
Beyond that, the dream is clear.
“I’d say playing professional on tour would obviously be incredible. I know I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m just super excited.”
She has already had a taste of elite level competition, including an invite to the Annika Sörenstam Invitational in Sweden, an experience that left a lasting impression.
“It was awesome. Being around other girls who were all really incredible players and such a big international field was great. I was really grateful for the opportunity.”
And if she could pick a playing partner for a dream round, the answer comes quickly.
“I think Nelly Korda. I love her golf swing, the way she plays and her attitude. She’s a big inspiration.”
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on the present and on keeping the joy in the journey.
“Just keep enjoying it and always have fun. Golf has its ups and downs, but the key is to keep enjoying it, gain experience and play as much as you can. Just keep going and never give up.”
Simple advice. But coming from a player already walking the walk, it carries a bit more weight.
