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 the Start in Dubai
The DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 at the Emirates Golf Club has kicked off. Although the round was interrupted shortly before the end, from the perspective of DACH players, the start can already be considered largely successful.
Foremost, Swiss player Joel Girrbach showed strong early form. As the first on the course, he was unfazed by a bogey at the very beginning and then played error-free. 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 opportunity, which he calmly converted. Without further mistakes, he carded a 68 (-4) and currently ranks an excellent fourth place after round one.
Close behind, Nicolai von Dellingshausen also impressed. After a subdued start and being at +1 after nine holes, the German turned it around on the back nine. Birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16 reflected strong approach shots and confident putting. He finished with five birdies total and a 69 (-3), putting him within striking distance of the lead, currently inside the top 10.
Leading the field is Italian Francesco Molinari. The veteran played an almost flawless opening round, setting the early lead at -7. Four birdies on both the front and back nine, along with only one bogey on hole 12, secured his position atop the leaderboard. Ahead of Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen are also Mikael Lindberg (-5) and JC Ritchie (-4).
Other German Players Hold Good Positions at the DP World Tour
Marcel Schneider had a mixed day. Four birdies provided momentum, but three bogeys prevented a higher placement. Still, at -1 after round one, he remains well positioned for the coming days.