Host nation Malaysia emerged as the overall World Team Champion at the 31st edition of the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final 2026, reclaiming the prestigious title from defending champions China in a triumphant finish to the international championship held at Desaru Coast, Johor.
Malaysia topped the final team standings with 1,405 strokes, followed by Thailand in second place with 1,416 strokes and Indonesia in third with 1,451 strokes.
The victory marks a proud achievement for the Malaysian team, whose collective determination, discipline and teamwork secured the championship title on home ground, bringing the WAGC World Final trophy back to Malaysia.
The final results were celebrated at the WAGC World Final 2026 Gala Dinner & Awards Presentation, held on 30 October at the Desaru Coast Conference Centre, bringing the week-long championship to a memorable close.
Malaysian Golfers Shine Across Individual Categories
Malaysia’s success extended beyond the overall team championship, with several local golfers claiming individual titles across the competition.
Among the Malaysian champions were Azhari Yusof, winner of WAGC Division C; Ahmad Hakim, who claimed WAGC Division D; Roslan Ismail, champion of WAGI Division C; Jeniss Chan, winner of WAGI Division F; and Akmal Aiman Mohd Fauzi, who emerged champion in the All Streams Men’s Gross category.
Another heartwarming highlight came from the Mixed Pairs Team category, where Malaysia’s DNAGS, represented by father-and-daughter duo Fazel Naghshineh and Tara Naghshineh, claimed the championship with a net score of 733. Their achievement was a wonderful reminder that golf is a sport that brings generations together through a shared passion.
In the WAGI Pair Team category, Austria Team Friends claimed first place with 698 nett, followed by the Philippines’ LeadsAgri PH with 705 nett and Summit Pt PH with 706 nett.
Liverpool legend Jerzy Dudek added another remarkable achievement to his sporting credentials at the WAGC World Final 2026, scoring the tournament’s only Albatross. The rare golfing feat drew admiration and excitement, earning him special recognition and an award for this outstanding achievement.
Spain Receives Special TUMBA Spirit Award
One of the evening’s special moments was the presentation of the TUMBA Spirit Award, presented by WAGC Vice President Johan Tumba.
The award went to Spain, in recognition of the team’s spirit, camaraderie and enthusiastic participation throughout the championship. The special recognition celebrated the values that lie at the heart of WAGC — sportsmanship, friendship and bringing people together through golf.
Tourism Malaysia Highlights Golf Tourism Opportunities
Delivering the keynote address at the Gala Dinner, Zuraini Abdul Ghani, Director of the Package Development Division, Tourism Malaysia, described WAGC as a valuable international platform to showcase Malaysia’s golf tourism offerings and strengthen the country’s position as a leading golf destination.
She noted that this year’s championship brought together more than 600 participants from 48 countries, making it the largest gathering in WAGC’s 31-year history.
She also highlighted Malaysia’s extensive golfing facilities, with more than 200 golf courses nationwide, alongside its diverse landscapes and renowned hospitality.
As Malaysia advances its Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign, she emphasised that golf tourism offers opportunities to attract international visitors, encourage longer stays and introduce travellers to the country’s wider tourism experiences.
Zuraini also expressed appreciation to Delta World for its continued commitment in bringing the WAGC World Final to Malaysia for the fifth time, acknowledging the longstanding collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and WAGC.
She congratulated the champions and reminded participants that WAGC represents more than trophies and titles, embodying integrity, respect and camaraderie while creating lasting friendships across borders.
Vietnam Named Host of WAGC World Final 2027
The evening also marked an important milestone for the championship’s future, with Vietnam officially announced as the host nation for the 32nd edition of the WAGC World Final in 2027.
In his welcome address, WAGC President Isac Saminathan expressed his appreciation to Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Johor for their strong support, as well as to JGTA, the organisers, partners and all participating golfers and delegates for their contributions towards making the championship a success. He subsequently announced Vietnam as the next host nation.
Following the announcement, a ceremonial handover of the WAGC flag to the Vietnamese representatives symbolised the passing of hosting responsibilities and the continuation of this international golfing tradition.
Adding a special cultural touch to the occasion was the presentation of a commemorative hand-painted batik artwork to the Vietnamese delegation. The artwork, created collectively by WAGC participants at the Festival Village, symbolised the spirit of cultural exchange, creativity and friendship shared throughout the championship.
Johor Takes Centre Stage as an International Golf Tourism Destination
The 31st edition of the WAGC World Final 2026 was held from 23 to 30 October at Desaru Coast, Johor, bringing together golfers and delegates representing 48 countries.
The championship was played across five golf courses at three premier golfing destinations: The Els Club Desaru Coast’s Ocean and Valley courses, Forest City Golf Resort’s Classic and Legacy courses, and Tanjong Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort.
Co-organised by the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA) and Delta World, the championship was supported by Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Johor, with Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast serving as the official hotel partner.
Beyond the competition, WAGC provided an international platform to showcase Johor’s golfing facilities, hospitality and tourism experiences to participants from around the world.
The successful hosting also reinforced Johor’s potential to attract international sporting events and strengthen golf tourism as part of the state’s wider tourism development efforts, in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJ2026).
For Malaysia, the victory was more than a championship title. It was an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s golfing capabilities on the world stage, while for Johor, it was a proud occasion to welcome the international golfing community and showcase what the state has to offer.
As the WAGC flag passes to Vietnam for 2027, the friendships forged, memories created and spirit of international camaraderie will continue well beyond the final putt in Desaru Coast.
 World Final 2026, reclaiming the prestigious title from defending champions China in a triumphant finish to the international championship held at Desaru Coast, Johor. ){kind=link}