Johor in global spotlight

Performers pose for a photo prior to a vibrant cultural showcase celebrating Johor’s rich heritage that set the tone for the launch. — Photo: Handout

MALAYSIA launches the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final 2026, taking a big stride in furthering the country’s golf tourism ambitions and strengthening Johor’s standing as one of Asia’s premier golfing destinations.

The launch event, held in Johor, brought together senior representatives from Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Johor, the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA), Delta World, Perodua, Desaru Coast, industry partners, sponsors and representatives of the media.

Their collective presence underscored the significance of hosting a prestigious global amateur golf championship and the confidence placed in Johor as a world-class venue.

Returning to Johor for the second time and to Malaysia for the fifth, the WAGC World Final will be staged from Oct 23 to 31 at Desaru Coast.

The championship is expected to attract more than 650 amateur golfers and delegates from more than 50 countries, generating substantial economic benefits across the tourism value chain – from accommodation and transport to food and beverages, retail, recreation and local services.

The championship will be hosted at Desaru Coast, one of South-East Asia’s foremost integrated destination resorts, with official accommodation provided by Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. The tournament will take place at the Els Club Desaru Coast, Forest City Golf Resort and Tanjung Puteri Golf Resort.

The 2026 edition will welcome players from a diverse field of nations, including Austria, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, El Salvador, Georgia, Ireland, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Thailand and Ukraine, further expanding the championship’s footprint and reinforcing its role as a platform for international friendship, cultural exchange and business networking through sport.

Tourism Malaysia chairman, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, said the WAGC World Final 2026 represented a major opportunity to strengthen Malaysia’s standing as a premier sports tourism destination.

“Events of this scale deliver substantial economic benefits, stimulate tourism related spending and contribute meaningfully towards the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026,” he said.

He added that Malaysia looks forward to welcoming participants to experience its hospitality, world-class golfing facilities and diverse tourism offerings.