The Dubai Desert Classic returns! Here are all the key details about the tournament.
It’s the first of five Rolex Series events on the DP World Tour this season, so there are plenty of Race to Dubai points and prize money up for grabs.
Considering there is also a PGA Tour event in the United States this week, the field is full of top-class talent.
The Golfing Gazette covers everything you need to know about the Dubai Desert Classic, such as the field, tee times, and prize money.
- READ MORE: LIV golfer shocked to learn he still has a DP World Tour card and plans to take full advantage
Who will win the 2026 Dubai Desert Classic?
Let us know your predictions… 👇
Rory McIlroy has won the tournament four times (2009, 2015, 2023, and 2024)
Dubai Desert Classic dates
The Dubai Desert Classic takes place from Thursday, January 22, to Sunday, January 25. It’s the only DP World Tour event this week.
Where is the Dubai Desert Classic held?
The Dubai Desert Classic has been held on the challenging Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club since 1989.
Emirates GC
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Established: 1988
- Architect: Karl Litten
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,439
Which players are in the Dubai Desert Classic field?
The Dubai Desert Classic field features many top European players, such as Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Viktor Hovland.
Some of the best LIV golfers have also traveled to Dubai, including Dustin Johnson, Joaquin Niemann, and Patrick Reed.
Dubai Desert Classic tee times
The tee times for rounds one and two of the Dubai Desert Classic have been announced. Here are three of the most exciting matches (all times ET):
Round One
- 11:05 pm Wednesday (Thursday): Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood
- 11:15 pm Wednesday (Thursday): Nicolai Hojgaard, Ryan Fox, Shane Lowry
- 3:25 am Thursday: Viktor Hovland, Daniel Hillier, Dustin Johnson
Round Two
- 11:05 pm Thursday (Friday): Viktor Hovland, Daniel Hillier, Dustin Johnson
- 3:25 am Friday: Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood
- 3:35 am Friday: Nicolai Hojgaard, Ryan Fox, Shane Lowry
How to watch the Dubai Desert Classic
Golf Channel will show live television coverage of all four rounds of the Dubai Desert Classic for viewers in the United States.
| Day | Channel (Eastern Time) |
| Thursday | Golf Channel (2:30 – 7:30 am) |
| Friday | Golf Channel (2:30 – 7:30 am) |
| Saturday | Golf Channel (2 – 8 am) |
| Sunday | Golf Channel (2 – 8 am) |
Do you think Shane Lowry will win during the 2026 season?
Was the first event of 2026 a success or a failure for Shane Lowry?
Dubai Desert Classic prize money
The prize money available at the Dubai Desert Classic this week totals $9 million, the same as last year.
The top three on the final leaderboard will earn $1.53m, $990,000, and $567,000, respectively.
Our writers pick the Dubai Desert Classic winner
The Golfing Gazette experts have made their predictions for the winner of the Dubai Desert Classic this week.
James Shearman: It’s hard to look past Rory McIlroy, who has won this event four times, but Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen also has a great chance. The Danish golfer is in excellent form, having won the Australian Open in December, and his long driving will suit the Emirates Golf Club.
Jordan Harris: Daniel Hillier was one of the players in the mix to win the Dubai Invitational last week. And he also finished second to Tyrrell Hatton at this event one year ago. The New Zealander is going to win again sooner rather than later.
Charlie Walker: Tommy Fleetwood will grab his first win of 2026 with a victory at the Dubai Desert Classic! He recovered admirably from a poor start at the Dubai Invitational by playing well on the weekend, and I expect him to bring that level of play for all four rounds this week.
Antony Martin: Tyrrell Hatton to win in Dubai. He loves getting off to a flyer in the desert!
Peter Lynch: Tyrrell Hatton is the one to watch here for me, successfully defending his title in Dubai this week. He clearly loves it here!
