Rory McIlroy soon begins his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events and a start in the United States.
Rory McIlroy will open his 2026 golf year in the United Arab Emirates, just like in his career Grand Slam year. Dubai will once again be the first major stage for the Northern Irishman in his quest 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 also serves as 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. Sunday focuses solely on professionals competing for the tournament victory. This format suits McIlroy well, especially considering his success last year with his win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Dubai as a Springboard for a Long Season
After the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy will stay in the UAE to compete in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22 to 25. The back-to-back high-class events allow the Northern Irishman to build early consistency, position himself well in the Race to Dubai, and start the season with less travel fatigue than later in the year.
Following this, McIlroy’s attention will shift 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 he triumphed there last year for his first win of his historic career Grand Slam season. While he is expected to play in major tournaments and majors, the rest of his tournament schedule remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026