Successful start for Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen on the DP World Tour. Several German players are also near the top after round one in Dubai.
Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen Impress in Dubai Opener
The DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 at the Emirates Golf Club has officially begun. Although the round was interrupted shortly before the end, from the perspective of the DACH players, the start can already be described as largely successful.
Leading the way, Joel Girrbach of Switzerland showed strong early form. As the first on the course, a bogey at the start didn’t throw him off course, and he played flawlessly afterwards. Birdies on holes 3 and 6 brought him back to even par before the turn. On the back nine, Girrbach impressed significantly: a perfect second shot on the par 5 gave him an eagle opportunity, which he calmly converted. Without further errors, he posted a 68 (-4) and currently sits in a strong fourth place.
Close behind, Nicolai von Dellingshausen also made a good impression. After a cautious start and +1 at the turn, the German picked up the pace on the back nine. Birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, and 16 showcased strong approach shots and solid putting. In total, he recorded five birdies and a 69 (-3), keeping him within striking distance of the leaders and inside the top 10.
At the top of the leaderboard is Italian veteran Francesco Molinari. The experienced player shot an almost flawless opening round and leads with -7. Four birdies on both the front and back nine, and only one bogey at hole 12, earned him the early lead. Ahead of Girrbach and Von Dellingshausen are Mikael Lindberg (-5) and JC Ritchie (-4).
Other German Players in Good Position on the 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 in a strong position for the coming days.
Freddy Schott also finished with -1. Despite six birdies, five bogeys, including two after bunker shots and penalty strokes at holes 12 and 18, kept his score from being lower.
Marcel Siem started on the back nine and showed moments of brilliance. A chip-in birdie on 16 and a well-executed birdie on 5 from the trees were highlights. Despite several bogeys, he fought back and finished the round at even par thanks to a birdie on the final hole.
Perfection from Marcel Siem 💯#HeroDubaiDesertClassic |