Rory McIlroy is set to begin his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events and a start in America.
Rory McIlroy will open his 2026 season in the United Arab Emirates, just like in his career Grand Slam year. Dubai once again becomes the first big stage for the Northern Irishman as he hunts for more titles 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 at Dubai Creek Resort from January 15 to 18. The event is part of the DP World Tour and serves as the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. He will face competitors including defending champion Tommy Fleetwood. The Dubai Invitational is a three-day Pro-Am event where professionals play alongside amateurs during the first two days. On Sunday, only professionals compete for the tournament victory. McIlroy already impressed in this format last year, especially with his win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Dubai as a Launchpad for a Long Season
After the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy stays in the UAE for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The close succession of two high-caliber events allows him to build early consistency, position himself well in the Race to Dubai, and start the season with less travel stress than later in the year.
His focus then shifts across the Atlantic to California, where he has committed to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 12 to 15. This tournament holds special significance as McIlroy triumphed there last year, securing the first victory of his historic career Grand Slam season. While he is expected to compete in major tournaments and the majors, his exact schedule for other events remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026