Christian Hansen of Denmark produced one of the great comebacks to win the fourth edition of the Junior Dubai Desert Classic, holing an eagle putt on the 54th hole to force a play-off before repeating the feat on the return trip down the 18th to defeat Sweden’s Victor Larsson and claim the title at Emirates Golf Club.
The 54-hole tournament, hosted by the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation, saw 64 boys and girls from around the world compete across the Faldo and Majlis courses. Now in its second year with World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status, the event continues to provide young golfers with a meaningful step on the performance pathway.
Hansen carded rounds of 70, 69 and 74 for a three-under-par total of 213. Under the Friday night lights on the Faldo Course, he made a fast start before settling for a solid two-under 70. A second-round 69 kept him firmly in contention heading into Sunday’s final round on the iconic Majlis Course.
Play-off heroics on the Majlis Course
Three shots behind Larsson with two holes to play, Hansen made birdie on the 17th before producing a remarkable finish on 18. Larsson found the water, while Hansen split the fairway and holed an eagle putt to force a play-off. Moments later, he rolled in a ten-foot eagle putt on the same hole to secure a dramatic victory.
“It was very unexpected because I was down three with two holes to play,” Hansen said. “I just tried to remain at the same level when the pressure was high. The course is amazing – beautiful views of the city. Tiger Woods has won here twice, so it was special to play here.”
Sri Lanka’s Kaya Daluwatte emerged as the leading female after rounds of 69, 71 and 76 for an even-par total. Adrian Larsson of The Els Club Dubai recorded a hole-in-one on the seventh during the final round, while Louis Klein finished third at two under.
The prize presentation was attended by Walid Al Attar, General Secretary of the Emirates Golf Federation, and Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Focus now turns to the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which tees off later this week at Emirates Golf Club.
