Rory McIlroy is about to start his 2026 golf season. Two DP World Tour events and a start in America mark his season opener.
Rory McIlroy will begin his 2026 season in the United Arab Emirates, just like during his career Grand Slam year. Dubai once again becomes the first major stage for the Northern Irishman in his pursuit of more titles before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Start at the Dubai Invitational
McIlroy’s first tournament of 2026 takes place from January 15 to 18 at the Dubai Invitational at the Dubai Creek Resort. This event is part of the DP World Tour and also serves as the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. McIlroy will face competitors including defending champion Tommy Fleetwood. The Dubai Invitational is a three-day Pro-Am event where professionals play with amateurs during the first two days. On Sunday, only the pros compete for the tournament win. McIlroy impressed in this format last year, especially with his victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Dubai as a Springboard for a Long Season
After the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy will remain in the UAE. From January 22 to 25, he will play at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The consecutive schedule of these two high-profile events allows McIlroy to build early consistency and improve his position in the Race to Dubai, enabling a season start with less travel stress than later in the season.
His focus will then shift across the Atlantic to California, where McIlroy is already committed to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 12 to 15. This tournament holds special significance as he triumphed there last year, securing his first victory of his historic career Grand Slam season. While McIlroy is expected to compete in major tournaments and the biggest 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