Successful start for Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen on the DP World Tour. Several German players are also near the top after round one in Dubai.
Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen Impress at the Start in Dubai
The DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 at the Emirates Golf Club has officially begun. Although the round was interrupted shortly before the end, the DACH players can already claim a mostly successful start.
Joel Girrbach showed strong early form. As the first on the course, the Swiss golfer quickly recovered from a bogey at the start to play flawlessly afterwards. Birdies on holes 3 and 6 brought him back to Even Par before the turn. On the back nine, Girrbach impressed further with an eagle on the par 5 produced by a perfect second shot. He finished with a 68 (-4), sitting in an excellent fourth place after round one.
Close behind, Nicolai von Dellingshausen also impressed. After a slow start and +1 over the front nine, the German surged on the back nine, making birdies on holes 10, 12, 13 and 16, showcasing strong approach shots and solid putting. He recorded five birdies total and a 69 (-3), placing him within striking distance of the lead, currently inside the top 10.
Leading the field is Italian Francesco Molinari, who played an almost flawless opening round with a -7 score. He made four birdies on both the front and back nine, with only one bogey on hole 12 securing the early lead. Ahead of Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen are Mikael Lindberg (-5) and JC Ritchie (-4).
Other German Players in Good Position at the DP World Tour
Marcel Schneider experienced a mixed day. Four birdies provided momentum, but three bogeys prevented a better placing. With -1 after round one, he remains in a good position for the upcoming days.
Freddy Schott also finished with a -1 score. Despite six birdies, five bogeys, including two from bunker shots and penalties on holes 12 and 18, kept his score from being lower.
Marcel Siem started on the back nine and showed his class. Highlights included a chip-in birdie on the 16th hole and a well-played birdie from the trees on the 5th. Despite multiple bogeys, he fought back and finished the round at even par with a birdie on the last hole.
Perfection from Marcel Siem 💯#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries