Louis Klein Creates History With ‘Amazing’ Victory in Junior Dubai Desert Classic
Monday 13th January; Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Louis Klein, a rising star from Czechia, etched his name in the history books by claiming the Junior Dubai Desert Classic title spectacularly, describing the win as ‘amazing’ as he reflected on ‘three incredible days of golf.’ at the Emirates Golf Club.
His record-setting second-round 9-under 63 over the Faldo Course propelled him to a commanding 15-under-par total, securing victory in the prestigious junior event at Emirates Golf Club hosted by the HERO Dubai Desert Classic in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation.
The event showcased an elite field of boys and girls aged 18 and under. For the first time, the 54-hole competition was awarded World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) status,. The Men’s Division was supported by The R&A.
Sixty-four players teed off under the floodlights of the Faldo Course for the first two rounds, with the top 30 and ties advancing to the final round on the Majlis Course. Just days later, the world’s top professionals will compete on the same track for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Klein delivered a masterclass over three days, carding rounds of 69, 63, and 69. His record-breaking second round featured an electrifying stretch of six consecutive birdies, setting him apart from the field.
He finished with an eight-shot lead over Norway’s Daniel Nilsson, who claimed second place with a total of 7-under 209, while India’s Pritish Karayat secured third at level-par 216.
Speaking after his victory, the 15-year-old reflected on the achievement: "I have played really good this week hitting fairways and greens and even my putting has improved.
"My plans are to practice and do some gym work over the next few days. Early next month I will leave with my parents after my winter training and some competitive golf here in the UAE.
"My next competitive tournament is the 95th Portuguese International Amateur Championship from 12th February at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort followed by the Spanish International Amateur from 25th February."
More immediate for Klein is that he is invited to be part of the HERO Dubai Desert Classic Star Demonstration Golf Clinic this Thursday evening with Adam Scott at Emirates Golf Club Driving Range.
Klein wins a spot in the Shubhanka Sharma Junior Invitational Final in India, a place in the JAGA Grand Final and an invite into a Clutch Pro Tour event in the UAE coming up.
Klein is also set to return to the UAE to play in one of the Challenge Tour events having won the 54-hole Al Zorah Open last month Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman.
Klein, who has played golf since the age of five, revealed that his next goal is to make the Junior Ryder Cup team.
He represents the Albatross Golf Resort in Czechia, plays off a + 3 handicap and is currently ranked the second-best player in the world in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).
The winners were honoured during a prize ceremony attended by DP World Tour star Richie Ramsay, Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the HERO Dubai Desert Classic, and Walid Al Attar of the Emirates Golf Federation.
Klein’s victory earned him valuable WAGR® points, the iconic Junior Dubai Desert Classic trophy, and several prestigious invitations, including spots in the Faldo Series Grand Final, Shubhankar Sharma Junior Series Final, JAGA Grand Final, and a Clutch Pro Tour event.
Simon Corkill commented on the tournament’s success: We are thrilled to once again showcase the incredible talent and determination of golf’s future stars.
“Events like these are vital in providing young golfers with opportunities to elevate their game, and it’s inspiring to see them rise to the challenge on a world-class stage. Congratulations to Louis on this fantastic achievement - we look forward to seeing their journey in the years ahead.”
Focus now shifts to the 36th staging of the HERO Dubai Desert Classic, which will play host to a star-studded field from Thursday, January 16.
Final Results:
- L. Klein (Czech Republic) 69. 63. 69. 201.
- D. Nilsson (Oslo Golf Club, Norway) 71. 70. 68. 209.
- P. Karayat (Delhi Golf Club, India) 77. 70 69. 216.
- R. Gulati (Dubai Creek Resort) 71. 72. 73. 216.
- A. Mirsha (Shubankar Sharma) 72. 71. 75. 218.
- V. Kofod-Olsen (Emirates Golf Club) 79. 72. 68. 219.
- A. Rushika (Jumeirah Golf Estates) 71. 74. 75. 220.
Leading UAE Player:
- R. Ahmed (EGF) 73, 73, 76, 222.
Best Net:
- M. Abrieu (5)(JAGA) 71. 69. 73. 213.
Credit: Khaleej Times