Rory McIlroy is about to start his 2026 golf season. Two DP World Tour events and one start in America mark his season opener.
Rory McIlroy will begin his 2026 season 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 as he chases more titles before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Opening at the Dubai Invitational
Rory McIlroy’s first tournament of 2026 will be the Dubai Invitational at the Dubai Creek Resort from January 15 to 18. 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, with professionals playing alongside amateurs on the first two days. On Sunday, only the pros compete for the tournament victory. This format suits McIlroy well, as he showed last year, including with his win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Dubai as a Launchpad 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 close scheduling of these two top-tier events allows the Northern Irishman to build early consistency, position himself well in the Race to Dubai, and start the season with less travel stress than later on.
Then McIlroy will turn his attention 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 meaning, as he triumphed there last year and secured the first victory of his historic career Grand Slam season. While it is expected that McIlroy will compete in major tournaments and big events, his other tournament schedule remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026