GOLF – The stage is set for the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic as the world’s best golfers begin arriving at Emirates Golf Club ahead of the first Rolex Series event of the 2026 Race to Dubai season, which runs from Thursday to Sunday next week.
With preparations in the final stages and players already familiarising themselves with the iconic Majlis Course, anticipation is building for what promises to be a spectacular week of world-class golf and entertainment in the ‘Major of the Middle East’.
Record four-time champion Rory McIlroy returns to the tournament where he made his debut as a fresh-faced 16-year-old in 2006, marking the 20th anniversary of his first appearance.
The reigning Masters champion and five-time Major winner will be chasing a historic fifth Dallah Trophy alongside a stellar field that includes defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, former world number one Dustin Johnson, FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood, 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, 2022 HDDC champion Viktor Hovland, Rolex Series winner Nicolai Hojgaard, PGA Tour victor Ryan Fox, and rising star Tom McKibbin.
Former world number one and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald also returns to Dubai, bringing experience and pedigree to the line-up, while UAE national golfer Ahmad Skaik joins the field as a professional for the first time, highlighting the tournament’s continued commitment to supporting regional talent.
Behind the scenes, meticulous efforts have been made to prepare the Majlis Course to championship standard.
Emirates Golf Club course superintendent Matthew Perry oversees a team of more than 100 who work while most of the UAE is sleeping to ensure the golf course lives up to its reputation as one of the very best in world golf.
“Preparations have gone really, really well for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic,” said Perry.
“We came out of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in a good place back in October, which really set us up nicely to push through and get things ready.”
“All areas are in good condition – the greens are in great shape and we’re now reducing heights and increasing cuts and rolls to get the speed required by the Tour.”
During tournament week, the agronomy team grows to include 105 staff members, including seconded personnel from Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and Jumeirah Golf Estates, all working together to ensure every blade of grass meets the exacting standards expected of a Rolex Series event.
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