Dubai Invitational 2026 preview, picks & analysis

After a four-week break, the DP World Tour returns in style with Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood the headline acts at the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort. It is the first of two events in Dubai.

But I have a question: this is a DP World Tour event, right? So why is the field restricted to just 60 golfers and why are the likes of Patrick Reed, Tom McKibbin and David Puig in the field? I ask because they are all LIV players who seem to be able to pick and choose the DP World Tour events in which they want to play. I can imagine that there are many regular tour members who have plenty to say on this subject.

Fleetwood, the reigning FedExCup champion and seven-time DP World Tour winner produced a dramatic birdie-birdie finish at the inaugural edition in 2024 to edge out McIlroy on the final day in his adopted home of Dubai.

Two years on, Fleetwood returns as one of the game’s standout stars. In 2025, he became only the second Englishman after Justin Rose to capture the PGA Tour’s prestigious FedExCup title with his win at the Tour Championship, adding to his growing list of accolades which now includes three Ryder Cup triumphs.

The 34-year-old played a pivotal role in Europe’s historic away victory at Bethpage, finishing the week as the leading points scorer across both teams. He then won the India Championship to cap a memorable year and is aiming to carry his fabulous form into the new season and is relishing a return to a venue that holds special memories.

"I’m delighted to be defending my Dubai Invitational title in front of family and friends here in Dubai," said Fleetwood. "Winning the first edition was a really special moment for me, and Abdulla did a fantastic job bringing the event to life. I can’t wait to start the new year back at Dubai Creek."

McIlroy will tee it up in the second edition of the event following a history-making 2025 season, which saw him play a starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black - their first win on American soil in 13 years.

McIlroy’s performance capped a remarkable year for the Northern Irishman, who became the first European to complete the career Grand Slam when he added the 2025 Masters title to his previous major triumphs at the 2011 U.S. Open, the 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships, and The Open in 2014.

He finished the year being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year and will start 2026 with back-to-back weeks in the UAE for the Dubai Invitational and the Dubai Desert Classic, the first Rolex Series event of the campaign and an event he has won on four occasions. He is bidding to win the Race to Dubai for a record-equalling eighth time.

"I’m excited to be starting my year in Dubai," said McIlroy. "The UAE is a place where I’ve enjoyed a lot of great weeks, and I’m sure this will be no different.

"Dubai Creek Resort was a fantastic host venue two years ago, and Abdulla and his team put on an incredible event. I came very close to winning that week, so I’m hoping 2026 will be another really good year for me - and to start strong in the Middle East would be the perfect way to get it under way."

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Ryan Fox are also in the star-studded field.

Neergaard-Petersen has experienced a meteoric rise over the past two seasons. The Dane secured three victories on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2024, earning immediate graduation to the DP World Tour while also claiming the Road to Mallorca Rankings title - becoming the fourth Danish player to achieve the feat.

His rapid ascent continued throughout 2025 as he established himself on the DP World Tour, ultimately earning dual membership with the PGA Tour. The 27-year-old capped a memorable year by capturing his first DP World Tour title at last week's Crown Australian Open, holding off former Champion Golfer of the Year Cam Smith in a thrilling final round battle.

"I'm really looking forward to making my debut at the Dubai Invitational," said Neergaard-Petersen. "Starting 2026 in the UAE with momentum from my Australian Open win is exactly where I want to be."

Fox, meanwhile, also took his game to new heights in 2025 with a breakthrough year in America. The 38-year-old secured his first two PGA Tour titles - the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic and RBC Canadian Open - both in dramatic play-off victories within the space of four starts.

The New Zealander's most recent DP World Tour victory came at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship, and he will be aiming to add a fifth title to his tally when he competes at Dubai Creek Resort.

"Dubai has always been a special place for me to play golf, and after the year I've had, I'm excited to bring that form to Dubai Creek Resort," said Fox. "I enjoyed the inaugural edition in 2024, and the venue is fantastic. With Tommy defending and Rory returning, it's going to be a world-class field and a great way to start 2026."

Irishman Shane Lowry delivered one of the most memorable moments in recent Ryder Cup history when his putt on the final green at Bethpage Black secured the crucial half-point that retained the trophy for Europe in September.

The 38-year-old comes into the event seeking a seventh DP World Tour victory and to build on his impressive UAE record, which includes victory at the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship just months before his Open Championship triumph on home soil at Royal Portrush.

"I'm excited to make my debut at the Dubai Invitational," said Lowry. "The UAE has always been a special place for me, and after the year we've had with the Ryder Cup, I'm looking forward to getting 2026 started in Dubai."

Francesco Molinari, who is widely tipped to succeed Luke Donald as Ryder Cup captain if the Englishman chooses not to go for a third term, will return to Dubai Creek after a strong showing at the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2024, where he finished in fifth. The Italian's career achievements include nine victories across the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, crowned by his victory at The Open Championship in 2018.

He has served as vice captain for the past two Ryder Cups, while also taking on the captaincy of Continental Europe at the Team Cup, a position he has held for the past two editions at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

"I really enjoyed the inaugural Dubai Invitational and I'm delighted to be returning," said Molinari. "Dubai Creek Resort is a fantastic venue, and the Pro-Am format makes it such an enjoyable event."

Tournament Winners:

It was won in 2024 by Tommy Fleetwood.

The Course:

Designed by Gary Player and opened in 1993, the course is a par 71 measuring 7,059 yards. It features lush, rolling fairways and challenging water hazards and offers breathtaking views of the creek and the iconic Dubai skyline.

Form Guide:

Rory McIlroy will arrive in Dubai on the crest of a wave after a career-defining season. He simply adores this part of the world and will deservedly start the week as a warm favourite.

Prize Money:

Total prixe money is $2.75m, with 3,500 Race to Dubai points on offer.

How to watch:

Thursday, January 15, Sky Sports Golf, 7.30am; Friday, January 16, Sky Sports Golf, 7.30am; Saturday, January 17, Sky Sports Golf, 7.30am; Sunday, January 18, Sky Sports Golf, 7.30am.

To Win:

Rory McIlroy. Who else?

Each Way:

Tommy Fleetwood. In the form of his life

Each Way:

David Puig. Sensational young Spaniard

Five to Follow:

Rory McIlroy. Loves this part of the world

Tommy Fleetwood. Beginning to look like a serial winner

David Puig. Big hitter

Shane Lowry, Wondrous short game

Matt Wallace. Plenty to prove in 2026