Entries are now open for the 2027 Junior Dubai Desert Classic (JDDC). The fifth edition is presented for the first time by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and returns to Emirates Golf Club from January 15–17, 2027.

This year the tournament has partnered with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC). The partnership gives junior golfers from across the Asia-Pacific region the chance to qualify for and compete in the JDDC through six linked events: the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific, Queen Sirikit Cup, Ciputra Junior World Championship, APGC Junior Championship, Nomura Cup and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

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 carries World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) status for a third year. The tournament is played over 54 holes across the Faldo and Majlis courses, giving young golfers the chance to compete in a professional-style tournament environment.

Players must have a handicap index of 4.9 or below at the close of entries. The 64-player field will be decided by handicap ballot.

2027 schedule

• Friday (Jan 15):Opening round under the lights on the Faldo Course
• Saturday (Jan 16):Afternoon shotgun on the Faldo Course, followed by a cut to the top 30 players (and ties)
• Sunday (Jan 17):Final round on the Majlis Course. Days later, record four-time winner and back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy and the rest of the world’s best tee it up on the same layout at the 38th Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 21–24).

Denmark’s Christian Hansen won the 2026 title in dramatic fashion. He was three shots behind with two holes to play, forced a play-off with Sweden’s Victor Larsson and went on to win it.

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.”

How to enter: Entries open at midday (UAE time) today (November 3) and close at midday on December 11. The entry form is in the Juniors section of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic website at www.dubaidesertclassic.com/juniors. The outcome of the ballot, and therefore confirmation of places in the field, will be communicated by December 18^th.