Texas Senior Christiaan Maas Earns Exemption into the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Texas senior Christiaan Maas, ranked No. 2 in the PGA TOUR University Class of 2026, has received an exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The Rolex Series event will be played from January 22 to 25 at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

Maas, currently No. 5 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, earned three top ten finishes for Texas this fall, including a tie for second at the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational. Internationally, he won the World Amateur Team Championship individual title in Singapore by ten strokes and helped South Africa secure the team victory. He also tied for fourth at the Investec South African Open Championship with a second-round 64.

Tournament director Simon Corkill praised Maas’ record and noted the event’s history of providing opportunities for top amateurs, including David Ford, Michael Thorbjornsen, Ludvig Aberg, and Sam Bennett.

The exemption is part of the PGA TOUR University pathway, which awards professional status based on a two-year ranking system using NCAA Division One events, PGA TOUR tournaments, and select DP World Tour competitions.

Source:
PGA TOUR