Rory McIlroy soon begins his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events and a start in America.
Rory McIlroy is set to start his 2026 golf season in the United Arab Emirates, just like in his career Grand Slam year. Dubai will once again host the Northern Irish star as he aims for more titles before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Start at the Dubai Invitational
McIlroy’s first tournament of 2026 will take place from January 15 to 18 at the Dubai Invitational held at the Dubai Creek Resort. This event is part of the DP World Tour and serves as the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. McIlroy will face players including defending champion Tommy Fleetwood. The Dubai Invitational is a three-day Pro-Am event, where professionals play alongside amateurs on the first two days, and only professionals compete on Sunday for the tournament victory. This format suits McIlroy well, as he impressed with his win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last year.
Dubai as a Springboard for a Long Season
After the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy will remain in the UAE to participate in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The back-to-back high-level events allow him to build early consistency and position himself well in the Race to Dubai with less travel stress than later in the season.
His focus then shifts across the Atlantic to California where he has already committed to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 12 to 15. This tournament holds special significance as McIlroy won it last year, marking his first victory of his historic career Grand Slam season. While it is expected that McIlroy will also compete in major tournaments and big events, his full tournament schedule remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026