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Nicolai Højgaard inspires next generation on impactful Dubai Desert Classic Trophy Tour
The English College hosted the opening day on Monday and welcomed DP World Tour professional Nicolai Højgaard for a special meet and greet and Q&A session with students
- PUBLISHED: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 8:10 PM
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The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the oldest golf tournament in the Middle East, celebrated its 37th edition from January 22 to 25 at Emirates Golf Club. As part of this milestone year, the tournament took its iconic Dallah Trophy on a week-long tour of Dubai’s schools, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to inspiring young people and growing the game at the grassroots level.
The English College hosted the opening day on Monday and welcomed DP World Tour professional Nicolai Højgaard for a special meet and greet and Q&A session with students.
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Alongside the trophy display, the Emirates Golf Federation delivered a golf taster session for each school, introducing students to golf through a fun, inclusive and accessible format and ensuring they had the opportunity to experience the game first-hand.
This year’s Trophy Tour was delivered in partnership with The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) through The R&A’s Unleash Your Drive in Schools Programme. The initiative was designed to help students become more familiar with golf as a sport, increase awareness of its physical and mental health benefits, and introduce the game in an engaging and un-intimidating way.
Three schools had already taken part in the 2026 Trophy Tour. The tour continued after The English College to Dubai Heights Academy on Tuesday, followed by a visit to Horizon English School on Wednesday.
Bloom World Academy was the final stop on Thursday.
Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Simon Corkill, said: “As the longest-running golf event in the Middle East, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is proud to work with The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation to continue inspiring the next generation of golfers.
"This year’s Trophy Tour and school taster sessions reflected our commitment to nurturing future talent and ensuring that golf is seen as an inclusive, enjoyable and healthy sport for young people.”
