The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, an iconic golf tournament that has been a staple of the Middle Eastern golfing calendar since 1989, is set to attract a stellar lineup of players in 2025. Defending champion Rory McIlroy will headline the event, which will take place from January 16-19 at the renowned Emirates Golf Club. As the inaugural Rolex Series event of the 2025 Race to Dubai, excitement is building around this prestigious competition.
McIlroy, a four-time Major champion and the reigning European Number One, will welcome fellow golf luminaries to the Majlis Course. Among the prominent names is Viktor Hovland, the 2022 Hero Dubai Desert Classic winner, who will return to compete for the first time since his triumph. Both players share a strong Ryder Cup connection, with several other team members joining them to form a competitive field.
Jon Rahm, an established figure in the golfing world and double Major winner, is set to make his debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, adding to the tournament’s appeal. Meanwhile, the Olympian and 2023 Silver Medallist Tommy Fleetwood will be in attendance, along with notable Rolex Series winners like Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai Højgaard, Tyrrell Hatton, and the current European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald.
Major champions such as Pádraig Harrington, Patrick Reed, Adam Scott, and Jimmy Walker are also set to compete, contributing to a robust and diverse field. Alongside them are fellow Rolex Series victors Ryan Fox, Min Woo Lee, Thomas Pieters, and Dubai resident Paul Waring, who recently secured a win in Abu Dhabi. Their entries highlight the tournament’s reputation for attracting top-tier talent from around the globe.
The tournament is not only a platform for seasoned professionals; it also aims to foster young talent. First-time competitors like Akshay Bhatia, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, and American amateur David Ford, who ranked number one in the PGA TOUR University Ranking, will be making their debuts. Preston Summerhays, another player who recently competed in the Walker Cup, underscores the event’s commitment to providing opportunities for emerging stars in the sport.
The presence of further DP World Tour winners, including Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard—who recently edged out McIlroy at the Amgen Irish Open—exemplifies the high level of competition expected at the event. A range of other notable players will also be participating, including Laurie Canter, Tom McKibbin, Jordan Smith, Matt Wallace, and Thorbjørn Olesen, all of whom will contribute to the tournament’s quality field.
To enhance the spectator experience, the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic will offer various ticketing options, including free general admission. For those seeking a more immersive experience, a new package called “The Social on Sixteen” will be introduced. This package provides spectators with an opportunity to lounge at a prime location overlooking the 16th green, combined with four hours of beverage service and premium casual dining options. Priced from AED 695, it promises to deliver an enjoyable atmosphere for fans looking to socialize while enjoying top-tier golf.
Simon Corkill, the Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, expressed enthusiasm for the diverse and impressive field set to compete in 2025. He articulated that this year’s tournament boasts one of the strongest lineups ever seen at the event, featuring Major champions, Ryder Cup stars, and emerging talents, ensuring a captivating experience for both players and fans. As the kickoff of the Rolex Series season, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is poised to set a high standard for world-class golfing events and deliver unforgettable moments on the green.
