Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 24 October 2024:

Organisers of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic have announced the return of the Junior Dubai Desert Classic next January, with the third edition earning World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) status for the first time.

In partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, the Junior Dubai Desert Classic will be held from January 10-12, 2025, at Emirates Golf Club.

Next year's tournament, which is open to boys and girls aged 18 and under, will see a major change, as 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.

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 perfectly manicured fairways of the Majlis Course, just days before the world’s leading players tee off at the 36th edition of the prestigious Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 16-19.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “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.

"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.”

Last year’s edition attracted a competitive field with 54 boys and girls from countries including the UAE, France, India, Qatar and Sweden battling it out for the trophy.

Dubai resident Viktor Kofod-Olsen, who finished third at the inaugural event in 2023, came out on top, 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 are provided by Callaway.

Entries into the third edition of the Junior Dubai Desert Classic open on November 22nd. For more information, please visit: https://www.dubaidesertclassic.com/juniors