The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place from 22 to 25 January 2026 at the Emirates Golf Club, one of the first major events of the season on the DP World Tour, confirmed this Wednesday the participation of two of the stars from the European team that won the Ryder Cup last September, Norwegian Viktor Hovland and Irishman Shane Lowry, as well as two-time major winner and former world number one, Dustin Johnson.
It seems that DJ is getting a taste for playing on the DP World Tour. Last October, he played in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, missing the cut. It was his first appearance on the tour since joining LIV Golf and, more specifically, since he played in the 2020 Saudi International, indicating his future lay in the petrodollar circuit. In total, the South Carolinian has participated in 15 regular European tour events, excluding Majors and world championships.
His first appearance on the tour was at the Nordea Scandinavian Masters in Sweden in 2010. The tournament he has played the most on the DP is the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, three times, before it became a Rolex Series event. 2011 was his most prolific year on the circuit: he played four tournaments, the Alfred Dunhill Links, the Scandinavian Masters, the BMW International Open, and the Ballantine’s Championship. We’ll see if this start of the year in Dubai marks the beginning of a new phase where he appears more often in search of titles and OWGR points.
Hovland and Lowry, meanwhile, will join several of their European Ryder Cup teammates. Among them, the current champion, Tyrrell Hatton, the current Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, and the brilliant winner of the latest FedEx Cup edition on the PGA Tour last August, Tommy Fleetwood. All of them, along with DJ, raise the level of a tournament that gathers a good handful of stars in the first Rolex Series of the 2026 Race to Dubai.
Lowry, who will participate for the tenth time in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and for the first time since 2023, states in the official circuit press release: “There were incredible moments in 2025, especially at Bethpage Black, and now I’m looking forward to starting 2026 on the right foot by returning to Dubai for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. I’ve played this tournament many times over the years and always love coming back to the Emirates Golf Club. It’s a fantastic way to start the year.”
Hovland, who lifted the Dallah trophy in 2022, returned to winning ways in 2025 with his victory at the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour, before helping Europe secure another triumph in New York. The 2023 FedEx Cup champion is eager to return to the Majlis course. “Winning here in 2022 was really great, and it’s always a fantastic place to start the year. The tournament is one of the highlights of the season: a great golf course, great weather, and I’m looking forward to competing for the trophy again.”
DJ, on the other hand, will make his debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The former world number one, who spent 135 weeks at the top of the rankings, represented the United States in five Ryder Cups between 2010 and 2021, amassing an impressive 12-9-0 record. At the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, Johnson became the first American player in over 40 years to achieve a perfect 5-0 record, winning all available points for him as the United States claimed a dominant victory.
“I’m really looking forward to playing the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the first time,” said Johnson. “I’ve heard great things about the event and the Emirates Golf Club. When you see past champions like Seve, Tiger, and Rory, you know it’s a truly prestigious tournament with an incredible history. I’m excited to compete for the Dallah Trophy and be part of what is always a world-class field,” he concluded.
Simon Corkill, executive director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic tournament, added: “Welcoming three world superstars of this calibre to the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic is incredibly exciting. Viktor and Shane were heroes at Bethpage Black, while Dustin’s record in major tournaments speaks for itself. With this being Dustin’s first professional event in Dubai, we are thrilled to showcase the Emirates Golf Club to one of the biggest names in golf. Alongside Tyrrell, Tommy, and Rory, the quality and depth of our field continue to strengthen as we approach what promises to be an exceptional 37th edition.”
More than legendary golf
Beyond world-class golf, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is one of the city’s most anticipated sporting and social events. Tournament Town returns as the hub of off-course entertainment, with live music and performances, family-friendly activities, food trucks, crafts, wellness experiences, and children’s areas. It’s an ideal destination for families and friends looking for a full day of fun.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic maintains its GEO certification for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable golf tournaments. The 2026 edition will continue the event’s commitment to health, wellness, and mental fitness initiatives, focusing on providing eco-friendly transportation solutions for spectators. The proximity of the Emirates Golf Club to the metro and excellent taxi connections ensure that fans can reach the venue comfortably while minimising environmental impact.
