The 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic headlines the DP World Tour from January 22-25 at Emirates Golf Club, with Rory McIlroy leading a stellar field and the betting markets.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic returns to the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai as the first full-field event of the 2026 DP World Tour schedule.
The par-72 layout plays around 7,439 yards and offers a $9 million purse, underlining its status as the “Major of the Middle East” and a key early-season test.
The tournament draws an elite cast that typically includes recent DP World Tour winners, Ryder Cup stars and proven desert specialists.
McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland and Shane Lowry are all among the field for the second event of the International Swing of the season.
Current 2026 Dubai Desert Classic Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Rory McIlroy | 7/2 (+450) |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 15/2 (+750) |
| Tyrrell Hatton | 12/1 (+1300) |
| David Puig | 16/1 (+1700) |
| Viktor Hovland | 16/1 (+1700) |
| Shane Lowry | 18/1 (+1900) |
| Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen | 20/1 (+2100) |
| Jayden Schaper | 22/1 (+2300) |
| Thorbjorn Olesen | 22/1 (+2300) |
Leading Contenders For The Dubai Desert Classic
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy arrives as four-time winner at Emirates GC after sealing a record fourth Dubai Desert Classic title in 2024 and never having finished outside the top 10 in 12 starts at the event.
His combination of towering driving, high, soft-landing irons and historically reliable desert putting has made the Majlis one of his most profitable venues worldwide.
McIlroy’s comfort in the region and renewed confidence with the driver make him the one everyone has to beat at short odds, particularly after fast finish in last week’s Dubai Invitational.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood tees it up in Dubai on the back of another strong DP World Tour season, including victory at the 2025 Tour Championship.
He was below par in last week’s Dubai Invitational but his game aligns perfectly with the Majlis’ demand as one of the most reliable ball-strikers on tour, high greens-in-regulation numbers and tidy short game.
Tyrrell Hatton
Tyrrell Hatton’s desert pedigree was underlined when he captured the Dubai Desert Classic title in 2025, using his typically precise iron play and streaky, aggressive putting to outlast a world-class field.
His ability to flight the ball through gusty conditions and handle firm, fast greens has made him a regular factor in the Middle East, both at Emirates and across other Gulf stops.
If the putter warms up early in the week, his fiery competitiveness can quickly translate into another serious run at the trophy.
Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry’s controlled, wind-savvy game fits desert golf, and he has repeatedly shown comfort in the UAE with strong performances across events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
That included last week when he led the Dubai Invitational only to double bogey the final hole and miss out by two shots.
His strengths lie in elite distance control with the irons and a proven touch on and around the greens, which are critical in managing the run-offs and tight surrounds at Emirates.
Jayden Schaper
Jayden Schaper continues to trend upwards after a breakout 2025 highlighted by victories at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and Mauritius Open, both secured in high-pressure play-off scenarios.
His improving strokes-gained approach numbers and power off the tee point to a player increasingly ready to handle bigger stages and deeper fields.
Emirates’ par-5 scoring opportunities and emphasis on attacking mid-irons should suit Schaper’s aggressive style, making him an intriguing mid-range option.
David Puig
David Puig has rapidly emerged as one of the more dangerous young talents, with a win at the BMW Australian PGA Championship in late 2025 showcasing his ceiling.
Long off the tee and unafraid to take on tight driving lines, he has the tools to attack the Majlis when conditions allow, particularly on the back nine.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.
Get more golf news, reviews and the latest equipment launches. Join our Reddit community for daily updates.
