Successful start for Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen on the DP World Tour. Several German players feature prominently after round one in Dubai.
Girrbach and von Dellingshausen Impress in Dubai Opener
The DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 at the Emirates Golf Club has officially begun. Despite the round being interrupted shortly before completion, the DACH players can already be proud of a successful start.
Joel Girrbach of Switzerland showed strong early form. Though he began with a bogey, he quickly regained composure and played flawlessly afterwards. Birdies on holes 3 and 6 brought him back to even par by the turn. On the back nine, Girrbach impressed further with an eagle on the par 5 after a perfect second shot, finishing the round at 68 (-4), placing him in an excellent fourth position after round one.
Close behind was Germany’s Nicolai von Dellingshausen. After a slow start with +1 over nine holes, he surged on the back nine with birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16, showcasing strong iron play and solid putting. With five birdies total, he shot a 69 (-3), keeping him within striking distance of the leaders and inside the top 10 currently.
Leading the field is Italy’s Francesco Molinari, who carded an almost flawless opening round at -7. He recorded four birdies on both the front and back nine, with just one bogey on hole 12, taking early control. Ahead of Girrbach and von Dellingshausen are Mikael Lindberg (-5) and JC Ritchie (-4).
Other German Players in Good Position on DP World Tour
Marcel Schneider experienced a mixed day. Four birdies brought momentum, but three bogeys prevented a higher placement. He remains close at -1 after the first round, well positioned for the upcoming days.
Freddy Schott also finished at -1 despite six birdies; five bogeys, including two after bunker shots and penalty strokes on holes 12 and 18, held back a lower score.
Marcel Siem, starting on the back nine, displayed flashes of class including a chip-in birdie on 16 and a well-played birdie on 5 from the trees. Despite several bogeys, he rallied to finish even par thanks to a birdie on the final hole.
Mixed Start for Wiesberger and Steinlechner
Bernd Wiesberger (+2) and Maximilian Steinlechner had less satisfying rounds. Wiesberger made two birdies but four bogeys, while Steinlechner struggled significantly, starting poorly with two early bogeys and finishing with +12 after 16 holes due to a penalty and a failed recovery on hole 8. His round will resume tomorrow due to the interruption.
Favorites Face Difficult Start
International contenders also faced challenges. Defending champion Rory McIlroy recorded a double bogey from a water hazard, finishing the day at +1 despite three birdies. Similarly