Rory McIlroy is set to begin his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events in Dubai followed by a start in the United States.
Rory McIlroy will open his 2026 golf year as he did in his career Grand Slam year, competing first in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai once again becomes the first major stage for the Northern Irishman in pursuit of more titles before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Start at the Dubai Invitational
McIlroy’s first tournament of 2026 takes place from January 15 to 18 at the Dubai Invitational at the Dubai Creek Resort. This event is part of the DP World Tour and also marks 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. Sunday then focuses solely on the professionals competing for the tournament win. This format suited McIlroy well last year, notably 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 UAE to compete in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The back-to-back high-caliber events allow the Northern Irishman to build early consistency and position himself well in the Race to Dubai, offering a less travel-intensive start compared to later in the season.
His focus then 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, securing his first win in his historic career Grand Slam season. While he is expected to play in the majors and other big tournaments, his full 2026 schedule is still undefined.