Rory McIlroy soon begins his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events and a start in the US marking his kickoff.
Rory McIlroy is set to open his 2026 golf year in the United Arab Emirates, mirroring his career Grand Slam year. Dubai will once again be the stage for the Northern Irish star’s early-season title chase before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Start at the Dubai Invitational
McIlroy’s first tournament of 2026 will be the Dubai Invitational, held from January 15 to 18 at the Dubai Creek Resort. This DP World Tour event is also the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. Among his competitors is defending champion Tommy Fleetwood. The Dubai Invitational is a three-day Pro-Am event where professionals play alongside amateurs on the first two days, followed by a Sunday where only the pros compete for the title— a format in which McIlroy impressed last year, particularly 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 to compete in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The back-to-back scheduling of these high-profile events allows McIlroy to build early-season momentum and positioning in the Race to Dubai, while also reducing travel stress compared to 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 claimed victory there last year, marking the first win of his historic career Grand Slam season. While he is expected to participate in major tournaments, his full schedule beyond these events remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026