Hero Dubai Desert Classic: Rory McIlroy targets fifth title but faces stern competition at Emirates Golf Club
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
McIlroy sets off as favourite in Major of the Middle East
Rory McIlroy had an incredible year in 2025, which included completing a career Grand Slam at Augusta National, and he now carries his momentum into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he sets off as the favourite with all the best online betting sites.
This marks McIlroy’s 20th appearance at the tournament since his debut in 2006. He won his maiden Hero Dubai Desert Classic title three years later before adding to that tally in 2015, 2023 and 2024, with the latter making him the most successful player at the Major of the Middle East.
That 2024 triumph is still widely considered one of the Northern Irishman’s greatest-ever performances, as he went into the weekend 10 shots back before an incredible 63 in the third round, which ultimately secured him the title.
As he celebrates a history-making year, McIlroy expressed his connection to this tournament ahead of tee-off. He has racked up seven titles in Dubai across his incredible career and has not finished outside the top 10 in his last 11 starts here at the Emirates Golf Club.
Tyrrell Hatton looking forward to Dubai title defence
In the lead-up to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Tyrrell Hatton revealed that he is relishing the opportunity to defend his crown. He pulled off a dramatic one-shot success against Daniel Hillier of New Zealand here last year to claim what was his eighth DP World Tour title.
The 34-year-old’s triumph also matched Jon Rahm’s record of five Rolex Series wins, and he has consistently mentioned that this tournament is the major priority on his annual calendar. Victory this year would make him the most successful player on the Rolex series since its inception in 2017.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to his potential battle with McIlroy were the comments made by the Northern Irishman in the lad-up, where he aimed a dig at Hatton and Ryder Cup teammate Rahm, saying that they should pay their fines, which were recently imposed for playing in LIV Golf events and the DP Tour.
Young gun David Puig enters Dubai with a point to prove
Since turning pro in 2022 and opting to join LIV Golf, David Puig has participated in recent tournaments as though he has a point to prove, and he enters the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in stunning form over the last 12 months.
The 24-year-old, who now has a DP World Tour title under his belt, has racked up three third-place finishes in recent times, including last week at the Dubai Invitational, where he finished with an excellent -8, tied with McIlroy and Shane Lowry.
Although this is his maiden appearance at this venue, Puig has shown an affinity for the Middle East. Aside from last week’s third, he also had a solid showing at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship and finished inside the top five at the Bahrain Championship and the Saudi Invitational, making him a possible lurker in the field.
