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DP World Tour: DACH Players Impress After Strong Start in Dubai

DP World Tour: DACH Players Impress After Strong Start in Dubai
Joel Girrbach and Nicolai Von Dellingshausen impress in the opening round in Dubai. (Photos: Getty)

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 Opening

The DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 has kicked off at Emirates Golf Club. Although the round was suspended shortly before the end, the start looks mostly successful from the perspective of DACH players.

Joel Girrbach displayed strong early form. As the first on the course, the Swiss player shrugged off an early bogey and played error-free afterwards. 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 chance, which he coolly converted. Without any further mistakes, he posted a 68 (-4) putting him tied for fourth after round one.

Right behind, Nicolai von Dellingshausen also showed strong play. After a cautious start and +1 after nine holes, the German picked up the pace on the back nine, recording birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16 thanks to precise approach shots and solid putting. He finished with five birdies and a 69 (-3), keeping him in close contention and currently within the top 10.

At the top of the leaderboard is Italian veteran Francesco Molinari. He played an almost flawless opening round, leading with a 7-under score. Four birdies on both the front and back nine, with only one bogey on hole 12, earned him 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 a mixed day. Four birdies provided momentum, but three bogeys prevented a higher placement. With -1 after round one, he remains well positioned for the coming days.

Freddy Schott also finished at -1. Despite six strong birdies, five bogeys – including two bunker shots and penalties on holes 12 and 18 – kept his score from being lower.

Marcel Siem started on the back nine and showcased his class at times. Highlights include a chip-in birdie on 16 and a well-worked birdie on 5 from the trees. Despite several bogeys, he fought back to finish the round at even par thanks to a birdie on the final hole.