Forget sibling rivalry – these two are rewriting the script with fairways, flags, and a shared dream.When Mousa and Hashem Shana’ah step onto the tee at this year’s U.S. Junior Amateur, they won’t just be flying the flag for Jordan – they’ll be making a statement for Middle East golf on one of the biggest junior stages in the game. One’s 18 and already a proven winner. The other is just 14 and fearless. But together, they’re turning heads as a family force that’s bringing some serious bite to junior golf’s biggest week.
Raised in Dubai with a fire to win, the Shana’ah brothers are here to do more than just compete – they’re here to chase greatness.
Mousa, the elder of the two and already a seasoned competitor, is relishing the chance to share this moment with his younger brother.
“This is one of the biggest junior events in the world,” says Mousa. “To be able to compete at that level and do it alongside my brother – that’s something I’ll remember forever.”
For Hashem, who’s still only 14, it’s a huge leap — but one he’s fully embracing.
“I’m excited, nervous, proud… all of it,” he grins. “It’s the highest level I’ve ever played at, and doing it with Mousa just makes it even better.”
Mousa competed in the same event in 2024 but didn’t make it past stroke play. So, what’s changed this time?
“It was a tough lesson,” he admits. “But it gave me clarity. This year the goal is the same – work hard, stay focused, play my game. It’s about stepping up when it matters.”
And he’s certainly been stepping up. Recent wins at the Oman Ominvest Masters and the GEM International Amateur at Abu Dhabi City GC prove he’s in red-hot form.
Having tasted elite competition in the U.S., Mousa is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
“The depth of the field, the conditions, the pressure – it’s different gravy out there,” he says. “But I love it. It pushes me to get better. I want to prove I can win not just in the Middle East, but anywhere.”
For Hashem, it’s his first major test on U.S. soil – but don’t expect him to be overawed.
“I’m training harder than ever,” he says. “Longer sessions, more gym work – building stamina and composure. Just being there is already pushing me to raise my game.”
So, has Mousa passed on any big brother advice?
“He’s helped loads with the mental side,” says Hashem. “Staying calm, keeping focus, saving energy – those little things that can make a big difference out there.”
This year’s venue, Trinity Forest Golf Club, is a modern, links-style course with plenty of bite. It’s a departure from the more traditional venues used in years past.
“It’s newer, so it’s harder to study how guys have tackled it before,” Mousa explains. “But we’ll do our homework. Learn the layout, the lines, how the ball reacts. That’s all part of the job.”
The brothers aren’t alone in flying the Jordanian flag in Texas. This year, three players from the kingdom have made the cut – a sign, perhaps, of a new era in Jordanian golf?
“We’ve all got that hunger to be the best,” says Mousa, currently the highest-ranked Jordanian amateur. “Whatever success we get over there, it reflects on all of us. It’s great for the country.”
Their father Abedalla adds that the family’s base in Dubai has been instrumental.
“Growing up in the UAE has been a huge advantage,” says Mousa. “You’ve got world-class courses, incredible facilities, and access to high-level events. It’s been the perfect environment for us to grow our game.”
The U.S. Junior Amateur has a star-studded alumni list – from Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth, to Nick Dunlap, who’s gone from teen prodigy to PGA Tour champion in just a few years.
Does that kind of trajectory inspire them?
“Massively,” says Mousa. “You look at those names and think, ‘Why not me?’ I want to create my own story. I want to be that guy someone else looks up to one day.”
“It’s part of my journey to be the best in the world,” Hashem adds. “This is just the start.”
Both brothers are clearly grounded but ambitious. For Mousa, the next chapter could be college golf in the U.S. For Hashem, it’s all about building momentum.
“I just want to keep competing, keep improving,” Mousa says. “And do everything I can to put Jordanian golf on the global map.”
Mousa Shana’ah (18)
• Based in Dubai, born in Jordan
• Coach: Stephen Dean
• Wins: Oman Ominvest Masters, GEM International Amateur (Abu Dhabi)
• Highest-ranked Jordanian amateur
• 2024 Asia-Pacific and Asian Games participant
Hashem Shana’ah (14)
• Based in Dubai, born in Jordan
• Wins: Oman Ominvest Masters (Junior), GEM Junior Masters
• Making his U.S. Junior Amateur debut
