Successful start for Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen at the DP World Tour. Other German players also feature prominently after round one in Dubai.
Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen Impress in Dubai Opener
The DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 has kicked off at the Emirates Golf Club. Although the round was interrupted shortly before its conclusion, the DACH players can already be pleased with an overall strong start.
Foremost, Swiss player Joel Girrbach showed impressive early form. As the first on the course, he remained unfazed by a bogey at the outset and played flawlessly afterward. Birdies on holes 3 and 6 brought him back to even par before the turn. On the back nine, Girrbach excelled further: a perfect second shot on a par 5 gave him an eagle opportunity, which he confidently converted. Finishing with a 68 (-4), he currently sits in an excellent fourth place after round one.
Close behind, German Nicolai von Dellingshausen also impressed. After a subdued start and +1 after nine holes, he turned things around on the back nine. Birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16 reflected sharp iron play and solid putting. Ending with five birdies total and a 69 (-3), he remains within striking distance of the lead and is currently in the top 10.
Leading the field is Italy’s Francesco Molinari. The experienced player carded an almost flawless opening round to lead at -7. He recorded four birdies on both the front and back nine, with just one bogey on hole 12. Ahead of Girrbach and von Dellingshausen are also Mikael Lindberg (-5) and JC Ritchie (-4).
Other German Players Hold Strong Positions on DP World Tour
Marcel Schneider had a mixed day. Four birdies provided momentum repeatedly, but three bogeys prevented a higher placement. Still, at -1 after round one, he remains firmly in contention for the upcoming days.
Freddy Schott also finished at -1. Despite six strong birdies, five bogeys, including two after bunker shots and penalty strokes on holes 12 and 18, kept his score from being lower.
Marcel Siem began on the back nine and showed moments of brilliance. A chip-in birdie on hole 16 and a well-executed birdie from the trees on hole 5 were highlights. Despite several bogeys, he fought back and finished the round at even par, thanks to a birdie on the final hole.
Challenging Start for Wiesberger and Steinlechner
Less satisfied were Bernd Wiesberger (+2) and Maximilian Steinlechner. Wiesberger recorded two birdies but also four bogeys. Steinlechner endured a tough day: after two early bogeys he notched three pars before a bogey run started. Particularly costly was hole 8, where a penalty stroke and a failed rescue cost him four strokes. He stood at +9 after nine holes and was at +12 after 16, with the