Rory McIlroy is set to start his 2026 golf season with two DP World Tour events in Dubai and a tournament in the US.
Rory McIlroy will begin his 2026 golf year in the United Arab Emirates, just like in his career Grand Slam year. Dubai once again becomes the first major stage for the Northern Irishman on his chase for more titles before heading to America in February.
Rory McIlroy’s Start at the Dubai Invitational
McIlroy will play his first tournament of 2026 from January 15 to 18 at the Dubai Invitational at the Dubai Creek Resort. This event is part of the DP World Tour and also marks the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. McIlroy will face, among others, 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 the professionals will compete for the tournament title. This format has already proven successful for McIlroy, especially with his win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last year.
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 high-profile events allow the Northern Irishman to build early consistency and position himself well in the Race to Dubai, while also enabling a season start with less travel stress compared to later in the year.
His focus then shifts across the Atlantic to California: McIlroy has already committed to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 12 to 15, a tournament of special significance as he triumphed there last year, achieving his first win of his historic career Grand Slam season. While it is expected that McIlroy will participate in the major tournaments and the Majors, his other tournament plans remain undefined.
Rory’s first hole of his 2026 Tour season 👌 pic.twitter.com/2zRlXT2O6M
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 8, 2026