Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Registration has officially opened for the 2025 Junior Dubai Desert Classic which, for the first time in its three-year history, has been afforded World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) 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.
Previous editions have attracted competitive fields with boys and girls from the UAE, United Kingdom, 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 at the Junior Dubai Desert Classic will be played under the lights on the Faldo Course. The field will then be cut to the top 40 players for the final round on the Majlis Course, just days ahead of the 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 16-19).
Dubai resident Viktor Kofod-Olsen, who finished third at the inaugural event in 2023, came out on top this year. With rounds of 71 and 69, he staved off the challenges of Kartik Singh and Mo Craig at Emirates Golf Club.
“Winning the Junior Dubai Desert Classic was incredible,” said Kofod-Olsen. “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, including invites to 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
