Successful start for Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen on the DP World Tour. Other German players also perform well after round one in Dubai.
Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen Impress at the Start in Dubai
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 at the Emirates Golf Club has kicked off on the DP World Tour. Although the round was interrupted shortly before the end, the DACH players can already be pleased with a predominantly successful start.
Foremost, Joel Girrbach showed strong early form. As the first on the course, the Swiss was not shaken by a bogey right at the beginning and then played flawlessly. 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 set up an eagle chance, which he converted coolly. Without further mistakes, he carded a 68 (-4) to finish round one in an excellent fourth place.
Close behind, Nicolai von Dellingshausen also impressed. After a quiet start with +1 over the front nine, the German surged on the back nine. Birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16 reflected strong approach shots and confident putting. In total, he recorded five birdies and a 69 (-3), putting him within striking distance of the leaders, currently inside the top 10.
Leading the field is Italian Francesco Molinari. The veteran played an almost flawless opening round, taking the lead at -7. Four birdies each on the front and back nine, paired with only one bogey on hole 12, earned him the early advantage. Ahead of Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen lie Mikael Lindberg (-5) and JC Ritchie (-4).
Other German Players in Strong Positions on DP World Tour
Marcel Schneider had a mixed day. Four birdies provided momentum, but three bogeys prevented a better position. With -1 after round one, he remains well placed for the coming days.
Freddy Schott also finished with -1. Despite six birdies, five bogeys, including two after bunker shots and penalty strokes on holes 12 and 18, kept his score higher.
Marcel Siem started on the back nine and showed moments of class. Highlights included a chip-in birdie on 16 and a well-executed birdie on 5 from the trees. Despite several bogeys, he fought back to finish even par thanks to a birdie on the final hole.
Perfection from Marcel Siem 💯#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries