Entry opens for Junior Dubai Desert Classic

Registration officially opens today for the 2025 Junior Dubai Desert Classic, which, for the first time in its three-year history, has earned World Amateur Golf Ranking status.

In partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, the Junior Dubai Desert Classic will be held from January 10-12 at Emirates Golf Club.

Open to boys and girls aged 18 and under, participants will compete over 54 holes, an increase from the previous 36, with the added incentive of WAGR points on offer for the first time.

Previous editions have attracted a competitive field with boys and girls from the UAE, UK, France, India, Qatar and Sweden battling it out for the trophy.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “The Junior Dubai Desert Classic presents an unparallelled opportunity for young golfers to experience a professional-like tournament at one of the world’s leading courses. And with the tournament now earning World Ranking Status, it’s cemented itself as an unmissable event for aspiring professional golfers.”

The WAGR, administered by The R&A and USGA, ranks elite amateur players globally and encompasses over 6,300 events featuring more than 7,500 players.

The first two rounds will be played under the lights on the Faldo Course, before the field is cut ahead of the final round where the top 40 players take on the Majlis Course just days before the world’s leading players tee off at the 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 16-19.

Dubai resident Viktor Kofod-Olsen, who finished third at the inaugural event in 2023, came out on top from a field of 54 earlier this year, firing rounds of 71 and 69 to hold off Kartik Singh and Mo Craig at Emirates Golf Club.

“Winning the Junior Dubai Desert Classic was incredible,” said Kofod-Olsen following his victory. “To play under Tour conditions, with the rough high and dense, was definitely an experience. To be able to say I was crowned champion at my home club is pretty nice.”

Juniors will be competing for a host of prizes and money-can’t-buy experiences, including invites into the Faldo Series Grand Final, Shubhankar Sharma Junior Series Final and the JAGA Grand Final.

Places in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Star Player demo, previously delivered by Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, will also be up for grabs, while further gifts and prizes will be provided by Callaway.

For more information and to register, visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com/juniors