Rory McIlroy will soon begin his 2026 golf year. Two DP World Tour events and a start in the US mark his season opener.
Rory McIlroy is set to open his 2026 golf season, just like in his career Grand Slam year, in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai once again becomes the first major stage for the Northern Irish star on his quest for more titles before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Debut at the Dubai Invitational
McIlroy’s first tournament of 2026 will be the Dubai Invitational at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club from January 15 to 18. This event is part of the DP World Tour and serves as the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. McIlroy will face competitors including defending champion Tommy Fleetwood. The Dubai Invitational is a three-day Pro-Am, where professionals play alongside amateurs in the first two days. On Sunday, only professionals compete for the title—a format where McIlroy showed great form last year, especially with his victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Dubai as a Launchpad for a Long Season
After the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy stays in the UAE to compete at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The back-to-back scheduling of these elite events allows the Northern Irishman to build early consistency and position himself strongly in the Race to Dubai, enabling a season start with less travel stress compared to later in the year.
Then his focus shifts across the Atlantic to California: McIlroy 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, claiming his first victory of his historic career Grand Slam season. While it is expected that McIlroy will participate in the major championships and big tournaments, his full schedule beyond these events remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026