Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 LIVE: Dates, UK times, field, leaderboard, prize money and how to follow 

The first all-star event of the 2026 golfing calendar will take place at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic next week.

Rory McIlroy, winner of this tournament in two of the last three years, will headline the Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club.

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Tyrell Hatton was the champion last year and the LIV Golf ace returns to try and defend his title.

A host of other star names will be teeing it up with a huge prize pot and plenty of ranking points up for grabs.

Former champions of this event include some legendary names such as Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau, Ernie Els, Fred Couples and Seve Ballesteros.

Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026: Date and how to follow

This DP World Tour event is taking place from Thursday, January 22 to Sunday, January 25.

It is being held at the Emirates Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates – the course is a par 72 and will measure a maximum of 7,439 yards. 

Play will begin at 7:30am local time which is 3:30am UK time.

talkSPORT will also have regular updates from Dubai.

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Sky Sports Golf will have coverage of the event from 7:30am each day.

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Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026: Field and tee times

McIlroy is the top name in the field but will be up against plenty of star power in an impressive field.

Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland will be teeing it up.

Dustin Johnson is also in the field as are Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Nicolai Hojgaard, Ryan Fox and Luke Donald.

The full field can be found here while the tee times, groupings and latest leaderboard from the UAE will follow.

The prize pot for this event is set at $9million and 8,000 Race to Dubai points will also be up for grabs.

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Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026: What has been said?

McIlroy has won this event four times during his glittering career and following a stellar 2025, he’ll be eyeing another title.

The World Number Two said: “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been one of my favourite tournaments, and I’m really looking forward to returning to Emirates Golf Club.

“I consider Dubai a second home – the support there is always incredible, and it’s the perfect place to start the year.”

Hatton, meanwhile, is excited to begin his title defence.

The Englishman said: “I’m delighted to be heading back to Emirates Golf Club to defend my title. 

“It’s a golf course that has really suited my game over the years, and the week at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic back in January was incredibly special for me.

“It’s always good to go back to a place where you’ve won before, and I’m really excited to have a chance to contend for the title again to follow on from what was a pretty incredible year.”