Rory McIlroy confirmed for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, 21 to 24 January

Rory McIlroy is confirmed for the 38th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which runs at Emirates Golf Club from 21 to 24 January 2027, the organisers announced on 19 October. He is the tournament's most successful player, with wins in 2009, 2015, 2023 and 2024, and will be going for a fifth Dallah Trophy.

He comes back after defending his Masters title at Augusta in April and winning the Ryder Cup with Europe. "I love coming to Dubai and the UAE," he said in the organisers' announcement. The tournament is part of the DP World Tour's Rolex Series.

Early bird tickets are on sale on the tournament's website for a limited time. General admission is free on Thursday and Friday with a registered ticket, weekend tickets are Dh85 at the early bird price (Dh110 before the event and Dh135 on the day), and children aged 17 and under go free on all four days. A new rooftop area by the 18th green, Rooftop18, starts from Dh595 with a five-hour brunch. The nearest Metro stop is Al Fardan Exchange, at the club's entrance.