Golf’s rising stars are preparing to take the stage in the UAE as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic announces the return of the Junior Dubai Desert Classic. However, this year, the tournament welcomes a groundbreaking development: World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) status.
Set to run from 10-12 January 2025, at the iconic Emirates Golf Club, the third edition of the junior event promises fierce competition, offering young golfers a new, prestigious opportunity to climb the global amateur rankings. 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.
With backing from the Emirates Golf Federation, this expanded event opens up to boys and girls under 18, who will tackle a 54-hole tournament for the first time — an increase from the previous 36 holes and a significant test of skill and stamina.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, expressed the pride and ambition behind this event’s evolution. “We take great pride in nurturing golf’s next generation, so we are delighted that the Junior Dubai Desert Classic’s third edition has secured World Amateur Golf Ranking status,” he said.
“Just like the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, our goal is to gather a top-quality field of young amateurs, competing on a tournament-style course setup at Emirates Golf Club, to give them a taste of what it’s like to play in a world-class event.”
The first two rounds will challenge players on the Faldo Course under floodlights before the final round sees the top 40 contenders take on the Majlis Course. The latter will mark an extraordinary opportunity for the juniors, who will play on the same fairways that the pros will compete on just days later at the 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 16-19 January.
Last year’s event showcased talents from across the globe, with players from the UAE, France, India, Qatar, and Sweden. Dubai’s own Viktor Kofod-Olsen emerged victorious, besting a highly competitive field with scores of 71 and 69.
Reflecting on his triumph, Kofod-Olsen noted, “Winning the Junior Dubai Desert Classic was incredible. 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.”
The juniors will compete not only for trophies but also for coveted prizes and unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These include invitations to the Faldo Series Grand Final, Shubhankar Sharma Junior Series Final, and the JAGA Grand Final.
Top players may even secure spots in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Star Player demo, previously hosted by golfing icons like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. Callaway, the event’s prize partner, will also contribute exclusive gifts and rewards.
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For golf’s young talent eager to take part, entries open on 22 November. For more details, visit the official website.
