Rory McIlroy Kicks Off Hero Dubai Desert Classic with Early Tee Shot
01/21/2026 by Matthias Gräf
Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner of the DP World Tour event, has officially started his campaign at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The tournament, held at the Emirates Golf Club, is one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour schedule and attracts a strong international field.
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Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner of the DP World Tour event, has officially started his campaign at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The tournament, held at the Emirates Golf Club, is one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour schedule and attracts a strong international field.
Strong Field and German-Speaking Contingent
This year’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic features a notable lineup, including seven German-speaking players such as Nicolai von Dellingshausen, Marcel Siem, and Marcel Schneider. Alongside McIlroy, other international stars like Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed, and Francesco Molinari are competing for the $9 million prize fund. Nacho Elvira, fresh off a recent victory in Dubai, also tees off with confidence.
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McIlroy’s Early Morning Tee Time
The 2026 edition of the tournament kicked off with McIlroy’s early tee shot on Wednesday morning, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive week. Known for his aggressive style and precision, McIlroy aims to add a fifth title to his record at this event, further cementing his legacy on the DP World Tour.
Broadcast and Coverage
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic will be broadcast live on MagentaTV, with coverage starting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. over the weekend. Golf fans can follow the action closely as players navigate the challenging Emirates Golf Club course.
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