A strong 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 DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 has kicked off at the Emirates Golf Club. Despite the round being interrupted shortly before the end, the DACH players can already be proud of a mostly successful start.
Joel Girrbach led the way in strong form. The Swiss, the first on the course, shrugged off an early bogey and played flawless golf thereafter. Birdies on holes 3 and 6 brought him back to even par before the turn. On the back nine, Girrbach impressed further: a perfect second shot on the par 5 gave him an eagle opportunity which he converted coolly. Without further mistakes, he posted a 68 (-4), placing him in an excellent 4th position after round one.
Close behind, Nicolai Von Dellingshausen also impressed. After a subdued start and +1 after nine holes, the German caught fire on the back nine with birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16, showcasing strong approaches and confident putting. He finished with five birdies total and a 69 (-3), keeping him within striking distance of the leaders inside the top 10.
Leading the field is Italian veteran Francesco Molinari, who posted a near-flawless opening round with seven under par. With four birdies on both the front and back nine and only one bogey on the 12th hole, he took the early lead. Ahead of Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen are also Mikael Lindberg (-5) and JC Ritchie (-4).
Other German Players in Good Position on DP World Tour
Marcel Schneider experienced an up-and-down day with four birdies that created momentum but was held back by three bogeys. At -1 after round one, he remains well positioned for the days ahead.
Freddy Schott also finished at -1, delivering six birdies overshadowed by five bogeys including two from bunkers and penalty strokes on holes 12 and 18 that prevented a lower score.
Marcel Siem started on the back nine and showed glimpses of his class with a chip-in birdie on the 16th and a well-earned birdie on the 5th from the trees. Despite several bogeys, he fought back to finish even par thanks to a birdie on the last hole.
Perfection from Marcel Siem 💯#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries