Successful start for Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen on the DP World Tour. Other German players also feature prominently after round one in Dubai.
Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen Impress at Dubai Kickoff
The 2026 DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club has officially begun. Although the round was interrupted shortly before the end, the DACH players can already be proud of a predominantly successful start.
Joel Girrbach led the charge, displaying strong early form. The Swiss player was unfazed by a bogey right at the start 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 the par 5 gave him an eagle opportunity, which he converted confidently. Finishing with a 68 (-4), he sits in an excellent fourth place after round one.
Nicolai von Dellingshausen closely followed. After a modest start with +1 after nine holes, the German player surged on the back nine. Birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16 reflected strong iron play and solid putting. Ending with five birdies and a 69 (-3), he remains within striking distance of the leaders, currently inside the top 10.
Leading the field is Italian veteran Francesco Molinari. He played an almost flawless opening round, taking early lead at -7 with four birdies on both the front and back nine and only a single 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 the DP World Tour
Marcel Schneider had a mixed day. Four birdies brought momentum, but three bogeys prevented a better position. Still, at -1 after round one, he remains well poised for the coming days.
Freddy Schott also finished at -1. Despite six solid birdies, five bogeys, including two following bunker shots and penalty strokes on holes 12 and 18, prevented a lower score.
Marcel Siem, starting on the back nine, showed moments of brilliance. Highlights included a chip-in birdie on 16 and a well-played birdie on 5 from the trees. Despite several bogeys, he fought back to finish even par with a birdie on the last hole.
Perfection from Marcel Siem 💯#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/6GXkEcdL9M