ROUND 1 | THURSDAY | JANUARY 22, 2026
MAGIC
MAC IS BACK
WORLD NUMBER TWO, RORY MCILROY, IS AIMING FOR A RECORD-SETTING FIFTH DALLAH TROPHY
Influencer Central The Hero Dubai Creator Classic returns again to the Majlis. PAGE 6
By Harry Grimshaw – Editor, Golf Digest Middle East
R
ory McIlroy’s return to Emirates Golf Club this week marks 20 years since his first appearance in the tournament as an amateur back in 2006. The now 36-year-old, went on to claim his maiden European Tour title in the Dubai Desert Classic at just 19 years of age in 2009 – his first professional victory, at a place he used to call home. The Northern Irishman since then has added further Dallah trophies to his glistening cabinet in 2015, 2023 and most recently, 2024. His dramatic comeback in 2024 sealed a record fourth title in the “Major of the Middle East”, after coming into the weekend ten shots back before a stunning third-round 63 on Saturday ultimately sealed the deal resulting in a one-shot win and underlined his enduring connection with the tournament, its fans and the United Arab Emirates. “I love Dubai. It holds so many great memories for me, first of which was coming here as a 16-year-old, and playing in the Dubai Desert Classic for the first time as an amateur, and I played twice as an amateur. “In 2007, I made the cut, and that got me to World No. 1 in the amateur rankings, and two years later, HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
I won my first professional event here. “So it’s a lot of great memories. I’ve met a lot of great people along the way and honestly, I’ve always felt like it was a perfect place to start the year. “In the UAE and in Dubai, you just see the amount of kids that are out here watching the tournament year-in and year-out, and obviously the amount of amazing tournaments that come to Dubai. “Obviously we played at the Creek last week. We are here this week. We’re in Abu Dhabi at the end of the year, and then we’re at Jumeirah Golf Estates. I think coming back to a place for so long and seeing the development of golf in this region has been amazing.” As he celebrates a history-making year in which he completed the career Grand Slam, the World Number Two is very much excited about what’s to come. Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, added: “Rory’s return is the perfect way to launch our 2026 event. We never take his participation for granted, and to welcome him back as the Masters Champion after perhaps the finest season of an already sensational career only reinforces the prestige of this tournament.”
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Pro-Am Results Your winners from the star-studded Pro-Am earlier in the week. PAGE 7
Ahmad Skaik The UAE National is making his pro debut in the event. PAGE 12
Tournament Town All the activites going on away from the golf action on course. PAGE 15
DAILY DRAW SHEET & COURSE MAP
Navigate Emirates Golf Club with your guide to the first round groups. PAGE 8-9 PATRON AND OFFICIAL PUBLISHER
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