Successful start for Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen at the DP World Tour. Several German players are among the leaders after round one in Dubai.
Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen Impress in Dubai Opener
The DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 has officially begun at the Emirates Golf Club. Although the round was suspended shortly before completion, DACH players can already be proud of a predominantly successful start.
Foremost, Joel Girrbach from Switzerland showed strong early form. Despite a bogey on the first hole, he remained composed and played flawlessly the rest of the way. Birdies on holes 3 and 6 brought him back to even par before the turn. On the back nine, Girrbach continued impressively, carding an eagle on a par 5 thanks to a perfect second shot. He finished with a 68 (-4), securing an excellent fourth place after round one.
Nicolai von Dellingshausen also made an impression. After a cautious start with a +1 after nine holes, he found his rhythm on the back nine, making birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16 through strong approach shots and solid putting. Finishing with five birdies and a 69 (-3), he remains within striking distance of the leaders inside the top 10.
Leading the field is Italian veteran Francesco Molinari, who posted an almost flawless opening round of -7. He recorded four birdies on both the front and back nine, with only one bogey on hole 12 giving him early leadership. Ahead of Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen are Mikael Lindberg (-5) and JC Ritchie (-4).
Other German Players in Good Position at DP World Tour
Marcel Schneider had a mixed day with four birdies providing momentum but three bogeys preventing a higher placement. He sits at -1 after round one, maintaining a clear threat for the upcoming days.
Freddy Schott also finished at -1, despite six strong birdies offset by five bogeys, including two from bunkers and penalties on holes 12 and 18.
Marcel Siem, starting on the back nine, showcased his class with a chip-in birdie on hole 16 and a well-earned birdie from the trees on hole 5. Despite several bogeys, he fought back to finish even par thanks to a birdie on the last hole.
Perfection from Marcel Siem 💯#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/6GXkEcdL9M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorld