The Junior Dubai Desert Classic (JDDC) has officially opened registrations for its 2026 edition, with the tournament returning to Emirates Golf Club from 16–18 January. Now in its fourth year, the JDDC continues to serve as a key platform for emerging talent across the region and beyond.
Hosted in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, the 2026 event marks the second consecutive year the JDDC has achieved World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) recognition – giving participants a valuable opportunity to earn ranking points and progress through the competitive amateur golf pathway.
The championship welcomes male and female golfers aged 18 and under with a handicap of 14.4 or below. Juniors from the UAE and overseas can look forward to a true professional-style experience, including Friday night golf on the Faldo Course and a Sunday morning finale on the iconic Majlis Course – setting the stage for the prestigious Hero Dubai Desert Classic the following week.
2026 schedule
- Friday (Jan 16): Opening round under the lights on the Faldo Course
- Saturday (Jan 17): Afternoon shotgun on the Faldo Course, followed by a cut to the top 30 players (and ties)
- Sunday (Jan 18): Final round on the Majlis Course – days before the world’s best, including record four-time winner Rory McIlroy and defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, arrive for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the same championship layout.
Louis Klein of Czechia claimed a superb victory in 2025, posting rounds of 69, 63 and 69 and the JDDC continues to broaden its global reach, with juniors for the 2026 edition expected from India, Thailand, Europe, Argentina and, for the first time, Canada, as well as the GCC.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “The Junior Dubai Desert Classic is about opportunity – giving boys and girls 18 and under a true pathway event with WAGR® points, a world-class setting and a field that grows more international each year. We’re committed to keeping it aspirational and accessible, welcoming rising players from the UAE and overseas – including first-time entrants from Canada – to compete on a genuine stage. With meaningful prizes and invitations that help juniors progress, the JDDC continues to be the region’s benchmark for elite youth competition and a place where talented young golfers can test themselves and thrive.”
Prizes include places in the Faldo Series Grand Final, Shubhankar Series Grand Final, HDDC Driving Range Experience and Clutch Tour starts, thanks to the Emirates Golf Federation.
How to enter: Full details and registration at www.dubaidesertclassic.com/juniors (T&Cs apply).
