Christian Hansen Wins Fourth Junior Dubai Desert Classic in Dramatic Play-Off

Danish teenager Christian Hansen claimed a thrilling victory at the fourth edition of the Junior Dubai Desert Classic, defeating Sweden’s Victor Larsson in a dramatic play-off at Emirates Golf Club. Hansen finished the 54-hole tournament with a three-round total of three-under par (213).

The tournament, held in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation, featured 64 young golfers from around the world. Now in its second year with World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status, the event gives promising juniors a chance to compete at a high level.

Hansen started strong with rounds of 70 and 69, keeping him in contention. In the final round on the Majlis Course, he was three shots behind Larsson with two holes to play. Hansen birdied the 17th, then on the 18th, Larsson found the water while Hansen sank an eagle putt, forcing a play-off. Hansen then secured another eagle on the Majlis’ iconic closing hole to take the title.

“It was very unexpected,” Hansen said. “I tried to stay calm under pressure and enjoy the course – it’s amazing with beautiful views of the city. Tiger Woods has won here twice, so it’s an honor to play.”

Sri Lanka’s Kaya Daluwatte was the leading female competitor with an even-par total of 216, while Adrian Larsson of The Els Club Dubai made a hole-in-one on the seventh hole earlier in the final round. Victor Larsson finished runner-up, and last year’s champion, Louis Klein, took third place.

The tournament attracted players from India, Thailand, Europe, Sri Lanka, Canada, and the GCC, highlighting its growing international reach. Hansen also received WAGR points, a trophy, a Callaway Custom Driver fitting, a Driving Range Clinic with Viktor Hovland, and invites to the Faldo Series Grand Final and the Clutch Tour.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “Congratulations to Christian Hansen. The Junior Dubai Desert Classic continues to set the benchmark for elite youth golf in the region and provides a pathway for the next generation of players.”

The focus now shifts to the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place from January 22–25, featuring stars including Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Dustin Johnson, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry.