McIlroy confirms plan to return to second home | Golf News

Rory McIlroy has reaffirmed his dedication to the DP World Tour by asserting his return to one of his most beloved competitions, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy will make his approach back to Emirates Golf Club as he chases a fifth Dubai Desert Classic crown in January, main a star-studded lineup for one of the season’s premier early occasions boasting a $9 million prize fund.

The Masters champion’s alternative to compete in Dubai confirms he’ll again bypass the opening of the PGA Tour season, including the yr’s inaugural $20 million signature event, The Sentry, which stays without a host venue. It comes after McIlroy issued a fiery message to Team USA forward of the Ryder Cup.

“It’s been a very special year for me, and I’m excited about what’s still to come,” world No. 2 McIlroy said in a press release.

“The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been one of my favourite tournaments, and I’m really looking forward to returning to Emirates Golf Club in January. I consider Dubai a second home – the support there is always incredible, and it’s the perfect place to start the year.”

Executive match director Simon Corkhill celebrated the announcement, stating: “Rory’s return is the perfect way to launch our 2026 event. We never take his participation for granted, and to welcome him back as the Masters champion after perhaps the finest season of an already sensational career only reinforces the prestige of this tournament.

“With the introduction of reasonably priced weekend tickets, our strengthened sustainability commitments, and a higher focus on wellness, household experiences and leisure in Tournament Town, we’re making the Hero Dubai Desert Classic not only one of the great tournaments on the DP World Tour, but also an unmissable spotlight of Dubai’s sporting and social calendar.”

The Dubai Desert Classic has become a favored stop for LIV Golf stars in recent seasons, with the rebel circuit’s campaign not kicking off until February.

Tyrrell Hatton claimed victory at the 2025 edition, joining numerous LIV members who competed in Dubai. Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, Dean Burmester, Adrian Meronk, and Thomas Pieters also featured in the lineup.

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With PGA Tour favorites Tommy Fleetwood, Bob MacIntyre, Shane Lowry, and Justin Rose all expected to return, the Dubai Desert Classic looks poised to showcase one of the most compelling and star-studded fields in the opening weeks of the 2026 campaign.

McIlroy revealed earlier this month his intention to take more control over his tournament schedule, choosing events based on personal preference rather than solely focusing on PGA Tour obligations and maximum earnings.

“At this level I need to play golf when I need to play golf,” he told reporters. “I need to play in the places that I really like to go to, and I need to play the majors and the Ryder Cup. That’s it.

“I’m not going to be going by minimums or anything else. Like I’ll obviously do my bit to make sure I keep my membership and all that on certain tours, but I’m going to play where I want to play.”