Rory McIlroy will soon start his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events and a debut in the United States.
Rory McIlroy will open his 2026 season much like in his career Grand Slam year, in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai once again serves as 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 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 during the first two days. On Sunday, only professionals 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 Springboard for a Long Season
After the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy remains in the UAE for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The back-to-back top-tier events allow the Northern Irishman to build early consistency and position himself well in the Race to Dubai, while starting the season with less travel stress than later in the year.
His focus then shifts across the Atlantic to California for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 12 to 15, where he has already committed to play. This tournament holds special meaning since McIlroy triumphed there last year, securing the first victory in his historic career Grand Slam season. While he is expected to participate in major tournaments and majors, his full schedule for the season remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026