Strong start for Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen on the DP World Tour. Several German players are in contention after round one in Dubai.
Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen Impress in Dubai Opener
The DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 at Emirates Golf Club has kicked off. Although the round was interrupted shortly before the end, the DACH players can already be pleased with their overall successful start.
Joel Girrbach from Switzerland showed strong early form. Despite a bogey at the start, he remained composed and played flawlessly afterwards. Birdies on holes 3 and 6 brought him back to even par before the turn. On the back nine, he impressed further with a perfect second shot on the par 5 leading to an eagle. Without further mistakes, Girrbach posted a 68 (-4) and currently ranks an excellent fourth place after round one.
Following closely, German Nicolai Von Dellingshausen also impressed. After a slow start with +1 over the first nine, he surged on the back nine with birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16, showing solid approach shots and confident putting. He finished with five birdies total and a 69 (-3), placing him within striking distance of the leaders, currently inside the top 10.
Leading the field is Italy’s Francesco Molinari, who played an almost flawless opening round at -7. Four birdies on both the front and back nine, along with only one bogey on hole 12, secured him the early lead. 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, with four birdies creating momentum but three bogeys preventing a higher placement. He remains a contender at -1 after the first round.
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 better score.
Marcel Siem started on the back nine and showcased his class intermittently, highlighted by a chip-in birdie on 16 and a well-played birdie from the trees on 5. Despite several bogeys, he fought back and ended the round even par with a birdie on the final hole.
Perfection from Marcel Siem 💯#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/6GXkEcdL9M