Malaysia officially launched the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final 2026, marking another significant milestone in the nation’s golf tourism journey and reinforcing Johor’s position as one of Asia’s leading golf destinations.
The media launch, held at the Johor Tourism Information Centre (JOTIC), brought together representatives from Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Johor, the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA), Delta World, Perodua, Desaru Coast, industry partners, sponsors, and media to show their support for one of the world’s most prestigious amateur golf championships.
The WAGC World Final 2026, returning to Johor for the second time and to Malaysia for the fifth time, will be held at Desaru Coast in Johor from 23rd to 31st October 2026.
The championship is expected to attract over 650 amateur golfers and delegates from over 50 countries, resulting in significant economic spillovers across the tourism value chain, including lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail, recreation, and local services.
The event is closely aligned with the goals of Visit Johor 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026, serving as a strategic platform to boost international visitor arrivals, increase tourism receipts, and raise Malaysia’s global profile as a premier golf tourism destination.
The launch programme included a vibrant cultural showcase celebrating Johor’s rich heritage, followed by a multimedia presentation introducing the theme “WAGC World Final 2026 – The Race to Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia.”
The championship will take place at Desaru Coast, one of Southeast Asia’s premier integrated destination resorts, with official accommodations provided by Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and The Westin Desaru Coast Resort.
Tournament play will take place on three internationally renowned golf courses: The Els Club Desaru Coast, Forest City Golf Resort, and Tanjung Puteri Golf Resort, highlighting Johor’s exceptional golf infrastructure and world-class hospitality.
The WAGC World Final 2026 welcomes new participants, including Austria, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, El Salvador, Georgia, Ireland, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Thailand and Ukraine, further expanding the championship’s global footprint and reinforcing its role as a platform for international friendship, cultural exchange and business networking through sport.
The official launch concluded with the symbolic WAGC Wall of Support Signing Ceremony, which reflected stakeholders’ collective commitment to delivering a successful championship.
Speaking at the event, WAGC President Isac Saminathan stated, “The WAGC World Final is more than a golf tournament; it is a global platform that brings people, cultures, and opportunities together through sport.” We are delighted to return to Johor, a destination that offers outstanding golf facilities, exceptional hospitality and memorable visitor experiences. The timing of this championship is especially significant because it coincides with Visit Johor and Visit Malaysia 2026.”
President of the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA), Col. (R) Mohd Jamal Salleh, said, “Johor is honoured to host the WAGC World Final for the second time, reflecting the confidence of the international golf community in our ability to deliver world-class events. With our diverse portfolio of championship golf courses, integrated resorts and strong industry collaboration, Johor is uniquely positioned to offer an exceptional experience for golfers and visitors alike.”
“This championship is not only about golf; it is about showcasing Johor’s strengths as a vibrant tourism destination and creating meaningful economic opportunities for local communities and businesses.”
Director of Tourism Johor, En Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim, said, “The WAGC World Final 2026 demonstrates the power of strategic collaboration between government agencies, tourism stakeholders and industry partners in positioning Johor as a leading golf tourism hub in the region.”
“Beyond the fairways, this championship invites visitors to discover the best of Johor, from our pristine beaches and islands to our cultural heritage, culinary experiences, nature attractions, shopping destinations, educational institutions and world-class healthcare facilities. We are confident that every participant will leave Johor with lasting memories and a desire to return.”
Tourism Malaysia Chairman, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said, “The WAGC World Final 2026 presents a significant opportunity to further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a premier sports tourism destination, particularly in the golf segment. Events of this scale deliver substantial economic benefits, stimulate tourism-related spending and contribute meaningfully towards the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026.”
“Through the collective efforts of Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Johor, JGTA and our industry partners, we look forward to welcoming participants and visitors from around the world to experience Malaysia’s renowned hospitality, world-class golfing facilities and diverse tourism offerings. This prestigious championship will not only showcase Malaysia’s excellence as a golfing destination but also reinforce the country’s appeal as a vibrant and competitive tourism hub in the region.”
The Johor Golf Tourism Association and Delta World thank all strategic partners and sponsors, including Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Johor, Perodua (Presenting Partner), The Els Club Desaru Coast, Forest City Golf Resort, Tanjung Puteri Golf Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, and other supporting partners, for their invaluable contributions to the success of the WAGC World Final 2026.
 World Final 2026, marking another significant milestone in the nation’s golf tourism journey and reinforcing Johor’s position as one of Asia’s leading golf destinations. ){kind=link}