Rory McIlroy is set to start his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events in Dubai followed by a tournament in the USA.
Rory McIlroy will open his 2026 golf year in the United Arab Emirates, just like in his historic career Grand Slam season. Dubai once again becomes the first major stage for the Northern Irishman on 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 is 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. McIlroy will face defending champion Tommy Fleetwood among others. The Dubai Invitational is a three-day Pro-Am event where professionals play alongside amateurs in the first two days. Sunday focuses exclusively on professionals competing for the title. McIlroy impressed with a similar 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 remains 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 and position himself well in the Race to Dubai, offering a season start with less travel stress than later in the year.
His focus then shifts across the Atlantic to California, where he is confirmed for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 12 to 15. This tournament holds particular significance as he triumphed there last year, marking his first victory of that historic career Grand Slam season. While it is expected that McIlroy will participate in the major tournaments and grands slams, his full tournament schedule remains undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season đź‘Ś pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026