REED RETAINS LEAD
By
Patrick Reed extended his lead at the top of the leaderboard in the third round of the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, firing a five-under-par 66 to take a four-shot lead heading into Sunday’s finale.
The 2018 Masters Champion, currently 44th in the Official World Golf Ranking, sits at the forefront of the US$9 million Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour.
Reed, who has three DP World Tour titles to his name, overcame a slow start to post a commanding round at the Majlis course.
“Early in the round, I just didn’t really settle out,” Reed said. “Even after the birdies on 2 and 3, it was just one of those things where the swing didn’t feel a hundred percent, but I was missing it where I need to and just relying on my putter to work.
“On 7, it clicked there when I hit a really good drive on 8. From that point on, I felt really solid and was able to take advantage of the par 5s.”
“Early this week, just seeing a couple putts go in, after last year, I felt like it was one of those kind of half of the seasons where I felt like I was doing a lot
of things really well. I was hitting a lot of putts and the balls weren’t going in. Once I saw it go in this week, seems like the putter is back behaving doing what it’s supposed to, and allows me to free the rest up the rest of my golf game.”
Trailing Reed by four shots is Spain’s David Puig, with 2022 champion, from Norway, Viktor Hovland and England’s Andy Sullivan a further shot back.
Reed has a solid record at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, finishing in the top 10 last year and runnerup in 2021, as he looks to capture his maiden Rolex Series title on Golf’s Global Tour, “You’re always excited showing up on Sunday with a lead. That’s what we live for as players, to have a chance to win on Sundays and battle it out with the guys.
“I know it’s not going to be easy, no matter how big the lead is. Looking forward to tomorrow, and hopefully just keep doing what I’m doing..”
Notable names further down include Tyrrell Hatton, last year’s winner, who carded a four-over 76 to fall into a tie for 42nd alongside Shane Lowry. World Number Two Rory McIlroy, struggled on the greens and sits at three under par, 11 shots off the lead.
Closing Remarks
Harry Grimshaw – Editor, Golf Digest Middle East
PATRON AND OFFICIAL PUBLISHER
Greetings from Hero MotoCorp!
As we arrive at Sunday, the final day of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026, it is a moment to reflect on an extraordinary week of world-class golf here in the distinguished city of Dubai—a global hub that continues to set the benchmark for excellence in international sport.
It has been our privilege to welcome players, partners, officials, volunteers, and spectators from around the world for one of the most esteemed tournaments on the global golfing calendar. The Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains a true celebration of sporting excellence, uniting elite competition, tradition, and a shared passion for the game.
Hero MotoCorp is honoured to continue its long-standing association with this iconic championship. This year carries special significance as we mark 25 years of world leadership as the world’s largest manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles—a milestone made possible by the enduring trust of millions of customers and the strength of our global partnerships.
The continued growth and stature of this championship are a testament to the strong collaboration between the Emirates Golf Association, the DP World Tour, Falcon and Associates, and the many dedicated teams whose tireless efforts ensure an event of the highest standard.
As the final round unfolds today, we look forward to a thrilling finish and more memorable moments. To all the players, we extend our best wishes for a strong and rewarding conclusion to the tournament.
Thank you for being part of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026. We hope you have enjoyed an exceptional tournament experience.
Warmly,
DR PAWAN MUNJAL Executive Chairman,
Viktor Hovland posted a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 in the third round of the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, recording the joint lowest score of the day and moving into strong contention for today at Emirates Golf Club.
The Norwegian, a former champion at the event in 2022, delivered a controlled and patient performance. “It was very nice and steady today,” said Hovland. “I hit a lot of fairways and was able to give myself some decent looks.” While the front nine was about minimising mistakes, momentum built later on for the 28-year-old. “On the back nine, I started getting a bit more going and made a lot more putts,” he added.
Currently 14th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Hovland acknowledged that recent swing changes are still settling in, but he was pleased with the result. “Certainly, no complaints about a bogey-free 65 out here. This place is no joke,” he said. “If I get off the tee in a decent position, I can really do some damage.”
While reflecting on his comeback win here in 2022, Hovland emphasized patience heading into the final round. “It’s not over until it’s over,” he said. “There are massive swings out here.”
THOUGHTS FROM THE FIELD
FRANCESCO MOLINARI
I’m having lots of fun. The course setup is great. The ground crew has done an amazing job making it testing but fair. So I can’t wait for tomorrow.
ANDY SULLIVAN
If Pat plays the way he did today, he’ll be difficult to catch, but tomorrow is a different day and we’ll see how it goes.
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COMPETITION TIME!
Here is your chance to win signed Hero Dubai Desert Classic memorabilia.
We are running a Picture of the Day competition throughout the tournament, giving you the fans the opportunity to capture and share your best moments from the event.
Take a photo that you believe deserves the picture of the day title. It could be a selfie, a favourite view of the Majlis course, or a player making their way down the fairway. Upload your image to social media and tag @DubaiDCGolf to be in with a chance of winning.
The best image from each day will be showcased right here, with the overall winner selected at the end of play on Sunday.
Dan Bradbury
Tyrrell Hatton
Jorge Campillo
Jayden Schaper
Ashun Wu
Oliver Lindell
Tommy Fleetwood
Thorbjørn Olesen
Ewen Ferguson
EAT STREET
The New Foodie HQ
Brand new for 2026, Eat Street debuts as a dedicated foodie hub with 12 distinctive food trucks, seating, and a giant LED screen streaming live golf, so you never miss a shot while grabbing lunch. Expect big flavours, from MrBeast Burger’s smash burgers, to Salt’s cult-favourite sliders, Topgolf’s crowd-pleasing casual bites, Vietnamese Foodies’ fresh pho, Wingstop’s bold handsauced wings, modern Mexican flavours from La Morita, classics from Pret a Manger, hearty eats from BŌTA, plus Costa Coffee for that essential midafternoon boost.
CREATORS DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
Content creators Mac Boucher and Temps claimed victory in the Creators Dubai Desert Classic (CDDC), with both champions earning a coveted spot in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am alongside the world’s best players.
The official highlight video capturing the best moments from the weekend is released today – watch it now on via the QR code on the right
The second edition of the CDDC brought together 16 of social media’s biggest sporting content creators for a weekend of competition.
Canadian Boucher carded rounds of 75 and 76 to finish at seven-over 151 for the gross title while Englishman Temps took the net honours with title tworound total of 151 (+7).
Building on the success of its inaugural edition – which generated 13.3 million views from a single hero video and contributed to an estimated 192 million impressions – the 2026 CDDC expanded from a single-day to a weekend competition to produce deeper, higher-quality storytelling that
showcases both world-class golf and Dubai as a global destination.
The 2026 field featured creators from the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK and Europe, including Mac Boucher, Sara Winter, Jay Bark, ForeBrothers (Declan and Ronan Moloney), Georgia Ball, Ellie Skoog, Temps, Max & Harry, Owen “Hoyzie”, Caitlinn Mazza, Mei Brennan, Zaire Odle, Tyler Hamilton and Hannah Davies.
As the tournament’s Official Patron, Motivate Media Group has been there every step of the way. That’s every drive and every putt since 1989. motivatemedia.com
SCAN TO WATCH
ORDER OF PLAY SUNDAY
JANUARY
25, 2026
Plan the day watching your favourite players with this guide to the groupings and tee times.
1. TIME 07:05 HOLE 1
◼ Jeff WINTHER (DEN) +10
◼ Niklas LEMKE (SWE) +8
2. TIME 07:14 HOLE 1
◼ Jens DANTORP (SWE) +5
◼ Victor PEREZ (FRA) +5
3. TIME 07:23 HOLE 1
◼ Michael HOLLICK (RSA) +4
◼ Laurie CANTER (ENG) +4
4. TIME 07:32 HOLE 1
◼ Adrian MERONK (POL) +3
◼ Joost LUITEN (NED) +2
5. TIME 07:41 HOLE 1
◼ Manuel ELVIRA (XXX) +2
◼ Tommy FLEETWOOD (XXX) +2
6. TIME 07:50 HOLE 1
◼ Name SURNAME (ESP) +1
◼ Name SURNAME (ENG) +1
7. TIME 07:59 HOLE 1
◼ Rasmus NEERGAARD-PETERSEN (DEN) +1
◼ Eddie PEPPERELL (ENG) +1
8. TIME 08:08 HOLE 1
◼ Richie RAMSAY (SCO) +1
◼ Jeong weon KO (FRA) +1
9. TIME 08:17 HOLE 1
◼ Sam BAIRSTOW (ENG) +1
◼ Frederic LACROIX (FRA) PAR
10. TIME 08:26 HOLE 1
◼ Grant FORREST (SCO) PAR
◼ Ross FISHER (ENG) PAR
11. TIME 08:40 HOLE 1
◼ Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) PAR
◼ Mikael LINDBERG (SWE) -1
12. TIME 08:49 HOLE 1
◼ Tyrrell HATTON (ENG) -1
◼ Shane LOWRY (IRL) -1
13. TIME 08:58 HOLE 1
◼ Nicolai VON DELLINGSHAUSEN (GER) -1
◼ Ugo COUSSAUD (FRA) -1
14. TIME 09:07 HOLE 1
◼ Angel HIDALGO (ESP)
◼ Joel GIRRBACH (SUI)
15. TIME 09:16 HOLE 1
◼ Freddy SCHOTT (GER)
◼ Oliver LINDELL (FIN)
16. TIME 09:25 HOLE 1
◼ Daniel HILLIER (NZL)
◼ Ashun WU (CHN)
17. TIME 09:34 HOLE 1
◼ Ivan CANTERO (ESP)
◼ Romain LANGASQUE (FRA)
18. TIME 09:43 HOLE 1
◼ Yuto KATSURAGAWA (JPN)
◼ Casey JARVIS (RSA)
19. TIME 09:52 HOLE 1
◼ Rikuya HOSHINO (JPN)
◼ JC RITCHIE (RSA)
20. TIME 10:06 HOLE 1 ◼ Rory MCILROY (NIR)
Darius VAN DRIEL (NED)
21. TIME 10:16 HOLE 1
◼ Alex FITZPATRICK (ENG)
◼ Thomas DETRY (BEL)
22. TIME 10:26 HOLE 1 ◼ Angel AYORA (ESP)
Jacques KRUYSWIJK (RSA)
23. TIME 10:36 HOLE 1 ◼ Wenyi DING (CHN)
Ewen FERGUSON (SCO)
24. TIME 10:46 HOLE 1 ◼ Tom MCKIBBIN (NIR)
Johannes VEERMAN (USA)
25. TIME 10:56 HOLE 1
Marcus ARMITAGE (ENG)
Sean CROCKER (USA)
26. TIME 11:06 HOLE 1 ◼ Alejandro DEL REY (ESP) -4
Marcel SCHNEIDER (GER) -4
27. TIME 11:16 HOLE 1 ◼ Ricardo GOUVEIA (POR)
Dan BRADBURY (ENG) -5
28. TIME 11:26 HOLE 1 ◼ Zander LOMBARD (RSA) -5
Ryan FOX (NZL) -5
29. TIME 11:40 HOLE 1 ◼ Nicolai HØJGAARD (DEN) -6
Jayden SCHAPER (RSA) -6
30. TIME 11:50 HOLE 1
◼ Hennie DU PLESSIS (RSA) -6
◼ Christiaan MAAS (AM) (RSA) -6
31. TIME 12:00 HOLE 1
◼ Martin COUVRA (FRA) -6 ◼ Julien GUERRIER (FRA) -6
32. TIME 12:10 HOLE 1
◼ Thorbjørn OLESEN (DEN) -7
◼ Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP) -7
33. TIME 12:20 HOLE 1
◼ Andrea PAVAN (ITA) -8
◼ Francesco MOLINARI (ITA) -8
34. TIME 12:30 HOLE 1
◼ Andy SULLIVAN (ENG) -9
◼ Viktor HOVLAND (NOR) -9
35. TIME 12:40 HOLE 1
◼ David PUIG (ESP) -10
◼ Patrick REED (USA) -14
THE BEST BITS
MENTAL HEALTH IN GOLF
In addition to the Step Fore It spectator initiative, the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic will once again feature the Player Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone. As one of the first tournaments to introduce such a facility, it continues to set a benchmark by prioritising players’ health and wellbeing. Following its successful debut in 2024, the Zone supports mental and physical performance, helping manage stress and enhance focus. Located at SENSASIA Urban Spa within Emirates Golf Club, it offers mental fitness training, mindfulness sessions, sleep chambers, brain-boosting nutrition, and virtual reality visualisation. Weekly usage data shows 30–35 players consistently visited the Zone, with infrared saunas and cold plunges most popular. Newly introduced 360° red light therapy drew 10 regular users, while cold plunges set between 4°C and 8°C, with 8°C most favoured. Sessions typically lasted 20–40 minutes.
PUIG PUSH’S UP
Spain’s David Puig fired an impressive six-under-par 66 on Saturday in the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, putting himself firmly in contention for a second DP World Tour title in the space of just two months.
The 24-year-old, currently ranked 99th in the Official World Golf Ranking and second in the Race to Dubai Rankings, has been in strong form this season which includes a victory at the BMW Australian PGA Championship last November and even a T3 finish at last week’s Dubai Invitational at the Dubai Creek Resort as he is looking to carry on his good form today on the Majlis.
“Well, yeah, it was a great day from start to finish, and obviously played really well on the front nine.
“Saved a great par on 8, and, you know, birdie on 9 to that pin is a real bonus. At 11, I hit one of the worst shots of my life, and, you know, managed to hit good putts really fast, which allowed me to finish well.”
The Spaniard acknowledged the challenge of competing against a high-quality field as he looks to hunt down his LIV Golf compatriot Patrick Reed at the summit in the final round. “Obviously, I’ll try to attack a little bit. We are a little behind and seeing Patrick Reed and all the guys that are up there are really good players, so hopefully, you know, tomorrow we have a good chance.”
1989 - Mark James 277 (-11)
1990 - Eamonn Darcy 276 (-12)
1992 - Seve Ballesteros 272 (-16)
1993 - Wayne Westner 274 (-14)
1994 - Ernie Els 268 (-20)
1995 - Fred Couples 268 (-20)
1996 - Colin Montgomerie 270 (-18)
1997 - Richard Green 272 (-16)
1998 - José Maria Olazábal 269 (-19)
1999 - David Howell 275 (-13)
2000 - José Cóceres 274 (-14)
2001 - Thomas Bjørn 266 (-22)
2002 - Ernie Els 272 (-16)
2003 - Robert-Jan Derksen 271 (-17)
2004 - Mark O’Meara 271 (-17)
2005 - Ernie Els 269 (-19)
2006 - Tiger Woods 269 (-19)
2007 - Henrik Stenson 269 (-19)
2008 - Tiger Woods 274 (-14)
2009 - Rory McIlroy 269 (-19)
2010 - Miguel Ángel Jiménez 277 (-11)
2011 - Álvaro Quirós 277 (-11)
2012 - Rafa Cabrera Bello 270 (-18)
2013 - Stephen Gallacher 266 (-22)
2014 - Stephen Gallacher 272 (-16)
2015 - Rory McIlroy 266 (-22)
2016 - Danny Willett
2017
2018 - Li Haotong
2019 - Bryson DeChambeau
2021
2022 - Victor Hovland
(-19)
(-19)
(-23)
(-12)
2023 - Rory McIlroy 269 (-19)
2024 - Rory McIlroy 270 (-14)
2025 - Tyrrell Hatton 273 (-15)
CRUNCHED THE NUMBERS ON EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
37th Edition The Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club, is hosting the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the 35th time. The event was twice held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in 1999 and 2000.
Rory McIlroy: 2009, 2015, 2023, 2024
Bresnu – Morocco – 2025
OLDEST WINNER
Mark O’Meara 47 years and 54 days, 2004
YOUNGEST WINNER
Rory McIlroy 19 years and 273 days, 2009
MOST BIRDIES IN ONE ROUND
(DP WORLD TOUR RECORD) Ernie Els - 1994
Biggest final round comeback by a winner: Lucas Herbert, 2020
Hovland
Eamonn Darcy, 1990
Seve Ballesteros, 1992
Ernie Els, 1994; José Coceres, 2000
Rory McIlroy, 2009
Sergio Garcia, 2017
HOLESIN-ONE
Miguel Ángel Jiménez 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 1990
Chris Moody 11th Hole, Rnd 3, 1990
Mark McNulty 11th Hole, Rnd 3, 1990
José Cóceres
7th Hole, Rnd 2, 1992
Wayne Westner
7th Hole, Rnd 1, 1995
José Cóceres 4th Hole, Rnd 1, 1996
Roger Wessels 7th Hole, Rnd 2, 1996
Peter Hedblom 15th Hole, Rnd 2, 1996
Stuart Cage 8th Hole, Rnd 1, 1999 (Dubai Creek)
Peter Downie 16th Hole, Rnd 1, 2000 (Dubai Creek)
2024 TOUGHEST HOLES
HOLE 9
488 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.35) HOLE 12
476 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.21) HOLE 8
459 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.20) 149
HIGHEST
CUT (+5), 1989
Henrik Bjørnstad 7th Hole, Rnd 4, 2002
Brad Kennedy 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 2004
Yasin Ali 7th Hole, Rnd 1, 2005
Nobuhito Sato 15th Hole, Rnd 1, 2005
Stephen Gallacher 4th Hole, Rnd 4, 2005
Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 2007
Miguel Ángel Jiménez 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2008
Louis Oosthuizen 11th hole, Rnd 2, 2009
David Howell 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2011
Keith Horne 4th hole, Rnd 2, 2011
Raphaël Jacquelin 7th hole, Rnd 3, 2011
Álvaro Quirós 11th hole, Rnd 4, 2011
Stephen Gallacher 15th hole, Rnd 1, 2012
Martin Kaymer 7th hole, Rnd 2, 2012
Álvaro Quirós 4th hole, Rnd 4, 2015
Grégory Bourdy 11th hole, Rnd 3, 2017
Matthew Southgate 7th hole, Rnd 2, 2018
Alexander Levy 5th hole, Rnd 3, 2018
Kristoffer Broberg 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2019
Nacho Elvira 11th hole, Rnd 1, 2021
Ryan Fox 4th hole, Rnd 3, 2022
Luke Donald 4th hole, Rnd 2, 2024
*All at Emirates G.C. unless noted
Get To Know Ganesh
After more than three decades behind the scenes, Ganesh Mangathil is calling time on a remarkable career at Emirates Golf Club, closing the book on 32 years of service that helped shape professional golf in the region.
Mangathil joined Emirates Golf Club in 1994 and went on to work at 27 editions of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, becoming a constant presence as the tournament which has grown into one of the DP World Tour’s flagship Rolex Series events and now known as the “Major of the Middle East”. His role evolved over the years, beginning in the in-house publishing department before expanding into finance, training, health and safety, security and environment, and overseeing operations across clubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Earlier this week, Mangathil’s contribution was recognised in fitting fashion. As a surprise moment, he met World Number Two Rory McIlroy, who personally congratulated him on his service to Emirates Golf Club and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. It was a full-circle moment
for Mangathil, who first knew McIlroy when the Northern Irishman was just a teenager.
“This golf club gave me everything for 32 years,” Mangathil said. “I’ve known Rory from when he was 14 or 15 years of age. He is an amazing person in golf. And now that I am in retirement, I can spend more time watching the golf!”
His tournament résumé extends far beyond Dubai. Mangathil worked at 14 Dubai Moonlight Classics between 2006 and 2021, the Indian Masters in Delhi, the Indian Ladies Masters in Bangalore, more than 50 MENA Tour events across the GCC, Morocco and Thailand, and two Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships staged in partnership with Augusta National Golf Club. He also played a key role in delivering more than 1,000 corporate golf days.
Among his favourite Hero Dubai Desert Classic memories are Tiger Woods’ iconic 2004 shot from the Burj Al Arab helipad, captured by David Cannon, the tournament’s 25th edition in 2014 which featured a one-milliondollar hole-in-one prize on the par-four 17th, and most recently when he received a special Dallah trophy from McIlroy himself.
As retirement begins, Mangathil is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and children in Dubai, leaving behind a legacy that runs deep through Emirates Golf Club and the history of tournament golf in the Middle East.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Record your steps whilst on the course today, register to win some amazing prizes
A Comprehensive Health Package from Medicinic worth 3,000 AED, a Viya Duo Quarterly Pass granting access to five-star leisure locations for two adults, golf lessons at the Peter Cowen Academy, group sessions at Topgolf and a Callaway MD4 wedge.
TOURNAMENT TOWN
Home of the excitement beyond the fairways, bursting with energy and packed with thrilling activities for all ages. At Tournament Town, visitors have been able to immerse themselves in handson experiences, from arts and crafts to sustainability-driven activities like seed bomb making, DIY workshops, and soil painting! Great fun for all ages!
Sunday — 25 January
10:00 - 18:00 Tournament Town Caricature Artist 10:00 - 18:00 Sustainability Corner DIY Beauty, Mosaic, Artistic Planting, and Glow And Go Workshops 10:00 10:30 Tournament Town The Tee-Time Troupe
