Rory McIlroy is about to kick off his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events and a start in the US.
Rory McIlroy will begin his 2026 golf year as he did in his career Grand Slam year in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai will once again be the first major stage for the Northern Irishman in his pursuit of more titles before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Start at the Dubai Invitational
McIlroy’s first tournament of 2026 is the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort from January 15 to 18. The event is part of the DP World Tour and also marks the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. McIlroy will face defending champion Tommy Fleetwood among others. The Dubai Invitational is a three-day Pro-Am event, where professionals play alongside amateurs during the first two days. On Sunday, only the pros compete for the tournament victory. McIlroy had already impressed in this format last year, especially with his victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Dubai as a Springboard for a Long Season
After the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy will remain in the United Arab Emirates to compete at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The immediate succession of two high-caliber events allows the Northern Irishman to build consistency early and position himself optimally in the Race to Dubai, enabling a season start with less travel stress than later in the year.
Afterward, his focus shifts across the Atlantic to California, where he has already committed to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 12 to 15. This tournament holds special significance, as he triumphed there last year to secure his first win of his historic career Grand Slam season. While it is expected that McIlroy will compete in the major tournaments and big events, his full tournament schedule remains undefined.