Rory McIlroy is about to start his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events and a tournament in America marking his kickoff.
Rory McIlroy will open his 2026 golf year in the United Arab Emirates, just like in his career Grand Slam year. Dubai will once again be the Northern Irishman’s first major stage in his quest for more titles before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Start at the Dubai Invitational
Rory McIlroy’s first tournament in 2026 will be the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort from January 15 to 18. The event is part of the DP World Tour and serves as the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. McIlroy will face, among others, defending champion Tommy Fleetwood. The Dubai Invitational is a three-day Pro-Am event where professionals play alongside amateurs on the first two days. On Sunday, only the pros compete for the tournament victory. This format suited McIlroy well last year, especially with his win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Dubai as a Launchpad for a Long Season
After the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy will stay in the UAE to compete in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The back-to-back high-class events allow the Northern Irishman to build early consistency and position himself well in the Race to Dubai, enabling a season start with less travel stress than later in the year.
He will then turn his attention across the Atlantic to California, where he has 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, securing his first victory in his historic career Grand Slam season. While it is expected that McIlroy will compete in the major tournaments, his full tournament schedule remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026