Entries are now open for the 2027 Junior Dubai Desert Classic (JDDC), which returns to Emirates Golf Club from January 15–17. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) will present the fifth edition as its new Presenting Partner.
The tournament has also partnered with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), giving juniors from across the region a new route into the field.
A new Asia-Pacific pathway to the Junior Dubai Desert Classic
Under the partnership, players can qualify through six linked events:
- Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific
- Queen Sirikit Cup
- Ciputra Junior World Championship
- APGC Junior Championship
- Nomura Cup
- Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
Simon Corkill, CEO of Falcon and Associates and Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “The Junior Dubai Desert Classic has always been about giving talented young golfers a genuine stage, and our new partnership with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation broadens that pathway for juniors across the region.
“Linking the JDDC to six championships in the Asia-Pacific gives those players a clear route to Emirates Golf Club, and we look forward to welcoming them alongside the best young golfers from the UAE and around the world.
“We’re also delighted to have EGA as Presenting Partner. EGA has been with the Dubai Desert Classic since the very first edition, and its support for the next generation of golfers is a natural fit.”
Who can play
Delivered in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, the JDDC is open to boys and girls aged 18 and under on the first day of competition. It also carries World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) status for a third year.
Players must have a handicap index of 4.9 or below when entries close. A handicap ballot will then decide the 64-player field.
2027 schedule
The tournament is played over 54 holes across the Faldo and Majlis courses, giving young golfers a taste of a professional-style event.
- Friday, January 15: Opening round under the lights on the Faldo Course
- Saturday, January 16: Afternoon shotgun on the Faldo Course, followed by a cut to the top 30 players and ties
- Sunday, January 17: Final round on the Majlis Course
Days later, the world’s best will tee it up on the same Majlis layout at the 38th Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 21–24). The field includes record four-time winner and back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy.
Hansen’s dramatic 2026 win
Denmark’s Christian Hansen won the 2026 title in dramatic fashion. Three shots behind with two holes to play, he forced a play-off with Sweden’s Victor Larsson and went on to win.
How to enter the Junior Dubai Desert Classic
Entries opened at midday (UAE time) on November 3 and close at midday on December 11. You’ll find the entry form in the Juniors section of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic website.
Players will find out the outcome of the ballot, and whether they have a place in the field, by December 18.
