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Rising Czech star Louis Klein back in Dubai to defend Junior Desert Classic Crown
The 54-hole tournament is part of the HERO Dubai Desert Classic extended week, bringing together top under-18 golfers from around the world at Emirates Golf Club, offering WAGR points and a pathway to international competition
- PUBLISHED: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 2:48 PM
- By:
- Nick Tarratt, Guest Golf Writer
The 2026 Junior Dubai Desert Classic is set to tee off from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, January 18 at Emirates Golf Club, promising three days of competitive junior golf in a world-class setting.
Hosted by Falcon Golf and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), the event is a qualifier for WAGR points for the second year, giving young golfers a valuable platform to showcase their talent.
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Defending champion Louis Klein, 16, returns to test himself against a strong international field. Klein, who won last year by eight shots with rounds of 69, 63, and 69, said: "I now winter regularly in Dubai with my parents and play most of my golf out of The Els Club, Dubai. I have recovered from last year’s injuries and am looking forward to some competitive golf later this week at Emirates Golf Club.
“My form has been good, and I want to test myself against both a strong field and the challenges of both the Faldo and Majlis Courses. I cannot wait to get started as I prepare for my tournament season in Europe and wider afield."
The 64-player mixed field features boys and girls under 18, including Sri Lankan Ladies Amateur Champion Kaya Dalawatte and Alexandra Phung from the US (+5.3 handicap).
The format spans three days: Round 1 at Faldo Course under lights, Round 2 at Faldo Course with afternoon tee times, and Round 3 on the Majlis Course, with a cut to the top 30 gross scores after 36 holes. Yardages are set at approximately 6,500 yards for boys and 5,700 yards for girls.
Pathway for young talent
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the HERO Dubai Desert Classic, added: "The Junior Dubai Desert Classic is about opportunity – giving boys and girls a true pathway event with WAGR points, a world-class setting and a field that grows more international each year."
Prizes include invites to the Faldo Series Grand Final, Shubhankar Sharma Series Grand Final, HERO Dubai Desert Classic Driving Range Experience, and Clutch Tour starts, providing a stepping-stone for future elite competition.
For more information, visit: www.DubaiDesertClassic.com
