The 2026 Junior Dubai Desert Classic is scheduled to take place from January 16 to January 18 at the Emirates Golf Club. This event offers young golfers an exciting opportunity to compete in a prestigious setting.
Organized by Falcon Golf and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), this tournament serves as a qualifier for WAGR points for the second consecutive year. It allows emerging talents to display their skills on an international platform.
Defending champion Louis Klein, 16, is set to compete against a talented international field. Klein, who secured victory last year by eight shots with rounds of 69, 63, and 69, expressed enthusiasm about returning to Dubai. “I now winter regularly in Dubai with my parents and play most of my golf out of The Els Club, Dubai. I have recovered from last year’s injuries and am looking forward to some competitive golf later this week at Emirates Golf Club,” he stated.
Klein also mentioned that his form has been strong and he is eager to challenge himself on both the Faldo and Majlis Courses as he prepares for the upcoming tournament season in Europe and beyond.
The competition will feature a mixed field of 64 players, all under the age of 18, including notable participants like Sri Lankan Ladies Amateur Champion Kaya Dalawatte and Alexandra Phung from the United States, who has a +5.3 handicap.
The format consists of three rounds, beginning with Round 1 on the Faldo Course in the evening, followed by Round 2 on the same course with afternoon tee times, and concluding with Round 3 on the Majlis Course. Notably, there will be a cut to the top 30 gross scores after 36 holes, with yardages set at approximately 6,500 yards for boys and 5,700 yards for girls.
In terms of opportunities for young golfers, Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the HERO Dubai Desert Classic, highlighted the significance of this event. “The Junior Dubai Desert Classic is about opportunity – giving boys and girls a true pathway event with WAGR points, a world-class setting, and a field that grows more international each year,” he remarked.
Prizes for the participants include invitations to the Faldo Series Grand Final, the Shubhankar Sharma Series Grand Final, experiences at the HERO Dubai Desert Classic Driving Range, and entries to the Clutch Tour, acting as a crucial stepping-stone for their future competitive careers.
For further details on the event, interested parties can visit the official website.