2024 Dubai Invitational Preview, Picks & Analysis

Rory McIlroy kicks off his season with a double-header in Dubai, starting with the inaugural Dubai Invitational.

The Northern Irishman loves this part of the world, having tasted success here five times - and next week he will defend his title at the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club.

McIlroy starts the year as world number two and Race to Dubai champion.

He said: “I’m really excited to start my year at the Dubai Invitational. I’ve always enjoyed coming back to Dubai to set up my season and with a pro-am format, this tournament is going to be an enjoyable week.

“Dubai Creek Resort is a fantastic course and given the support we get in Dubai from the fans, I’m sure they are going to make it another great week on the golfing calendar.”

Unsurprisingly, McIlroy is joined by a host of Europe’s top players, including Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Hojgaard, Ryan Fox and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Six-time DP World Tour winner and Dubai resident Fleetwood will also make back-to-back appearances as he looks to build on momentum generated from an impressive 2023 season, which included his second Ryder Cup win, and a runner up finish in Dubai at the DP World Tour Championship.

“It’s always nice to play events in front of your friends and family, especially one with a pro-am format like the Dubai Invitational,” said Fleetwood, a proven winner in the United Arab Emirates, following his back-to-back victories in Abu Dhabi in 2017 and 2018. “It’s great to have two weeks in Dubai and I hope that it will set me up for a big year.”

Fox secured his biggest career victory to date at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship after posting a five under par round of 67 on Sunday to lift the famous trophy at Wentworth Club in England.

The 36-year-old now has four DP World Tour victories to his name, including the 2022 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which features similarities to the Pro-Am format at the Dubai Invitational.

“I’m really excited for what 2024 has to offer and kickstarting things at the Dubai Invitational will be a fun week,” said Fox. “I’ve always enjoyed playing the Pro-Am format, it’s a unique way for us to compete and I’ve had success playing alongside some interesting characters from all walks of life.”

Donald, who led Europe to victory against the United States in the Ryder Cup, was recently announced as Europe’s first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

The former world number one will lead Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York and is looking forward to the prospect of beginning his 2024 DP World Tour season in Dubai.

“It’s great to start my 2024 season at the Dubai Invitational,” said Donald. “We always get a lot of support from the fans when the Tour visits Dubai. It’s a cool place to play golf and with the added novelty of this being a brand-new event on the calendar, I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic experience for everyone.”

But the man they may all have to beat is Hojgaard.

The 22-year-old won the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in stunning fashion, with five birdies in his final six holes to secure the biggest victory of his career.

The Dane’s triumph at Jumeirah Golf Estates brought a memorable 2023 season to an end, which included victories as part of Continental Europe in the inaugural Hero Cup and Team Europe in the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone, as well as earning PGA Tour playing privileges for 2024.

He already has two victories in the United Arab Emirates to his name, with the DP World Tour Championship joining the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Championship in his trophy cabinet.

“I love playing golf in the UAE and it’s the perfect place to start the year after the winter break,” Hojgaard said. “The conditions and the setup of the golf courses clearly suit my game and I always feel confident playing in Dubai, and with the pro-am format it adds a different dimension to the event, which I think is really exciting.”

Form Guide:

There are so many players in the field who simply adore playing in this part of the world but the best of the lot is Rory McIlroy. If he has been putting in the work he could win this week and next.

The Course:

Like every course in this part of the world, Dubai Creek Resort has been carved out of the desert. The fairways are lined by giant palm trees, there are lots of bunkers and water hazards and the greens are magnificent. A par 71, it measures just 7,009 yards so you can expect some very low scoring.

To Win:

Rory McIlroy. Adores playing in Dubai

Each Way:

Nicolai Hojgaard. Has moved up a class

Each Way:

Tommy Fleetwood. Brilliant ball striker

Five to Follow:

Rory McIlroy. Could be a big couple of weeks

Nicolai Hojgaard. Hits the ball a mile

Tommy Fleetwood. Has no weaknesses

Ryan Fox. Could rip this course to pieces

Adrian Meronk. Looking for a BIG season