Dubai Invitational Preview

A field of 120 players has assembled for the four-day competition, comprising 60 professional and 60 amateur golfers. With high stakes, most golfers aim to start the year on a strong note. In the inaugural edition of the event in 2024, Tommy Fleetwood secured the title, narrowly edging Rory McIlroy in the closing stages. Last year, the tournament was played in groups. Let’s examine the preview.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is set to commence the season in Dubai, with the aim of replicating his remarkable success from the previous year. The 36-year-old Northern Irish golfer delivered outstanding performances throughout the season, culminating in his ranking as the world’s top player. McIlroy achieved a career Grand Slam by securing the Masters title in a commanding manner. He returns to the tournament with mixed emotions, having narrowly missed victory in 2024 when overtaken by Tommy Fleetwood in the latter stages. That painful experience, in which he had been in the lead for much of the event, will serve as motivation for him to create more positive memories. Given his impressive form last season, McIlroy poses a significant threat to claim the championship title on Sunday.

Tommy Fleetwood

Tommy Fleetwood returns to the competition with fond memories. In 2024, Fleetwood made one of the most remarkable comebacks in history to claim the title in a thrilling manner. Those memories still resonate and will likely drive him to continue his winning streak. As a 34-year-old Englishman living in Dubai, Fleetwood will feel he has an advantage due to his knowledge of the course, where he sometimes trains. As the world’s third-ranked player, Fleetwood will face pressure to perform, given his achievements last season. He secured his first PGA Tour title by winning the Tour Championship and also had a share of strong results in the DP World Tour, including winning the Indian Open. All eyes will be on him to see how he will start his season.

Thorbjorn Olesen

Thorbjorn Olesen has shown remarkable consistency in DP World Tour events over the past six months, with seven top 20 finishes in his last nine starts securing his PGA Tour membership for this season. As a 36-year-old Danish golfer, Olesen will now need to adjust to competing in the two premier events, with a focus on the PGA Tour. His decision to skip the Sony Open and compete in Dubai instead demonstrates his eagerness to win, and his past performances in Dubai, including top five finishes in the Dubai Desert Classic and Qatar Masters, indicate he has a good chance of success. Olesen will aim to build on his proven record and start the year on a strong note.

Rasmus Neergaard Petersen

Rasmus Neergaard Petersen’s remarkable rise is undeniable, particularly in light of his outstanding performances over the last two seasons. The Danish golfer has diligently refined his skills, elevating his game to an exceptional level and earning him recognition as a player with a bright future. Petersen, 27, is coming off a morale-boosting victory at the Australian Open, which will serve as a catalyst as he prepares to compete against the world’s top golfers. As he seeks to establish himself among the best, Petersen must now demonstrate his ability to deliver against elite competition. Despite the formidable challenge ahead, Petersen, unencumbered by pressure, can showcase his skills with ease.

Prize Money

– The 2026 Dubai Invitational purse is $2.75 million, with the winner’s share at $467,500.

Past winners

– Tommy Fleetwood ( 2024)