GOLF – ASPIRING young golfers in Bahrain can now register to compete in the 2026 Junior Dubai Desert Classic (JDDC), with the fourth edition set to welcome the next generation of golfers to Emirates Golf Club from January 16 to 18 next year.
Registration is now open for the event, organisers announced yesterday.
Delivered in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, 2026 marks the second year the event carries World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status – giving young players a meaningful step on the performance pathway.
The JDDC is open to all boys and girls aged 18 and under with a handicap of 14.4 or below, making for a tremendous opportunity to compete in a genuine tour-style event on two iconic courses.
The opening round on January 16 will take place under lights on the Faldo Course. The following day features an afternoon shotgun on the Faldo Course, followed by a cut to the top 30 players and ties. On January 18, the final round will be held 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 earlier this year, 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 from the GCC.
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.
For full details and for registration, visit dubaidesertclassic.com/juniors.
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