The first full-field DP World Tour event of 2025 kicks off with a star-studded lineup for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Here is some essential information:
When and where will the Hero Dubai Desert Classic take place?
January 16-19 at Emirates Golf Club (par 72) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
How to watch Hero Dubai Desert Classic
(All times EST; streaming links added where available)
January 16
- 2:30-8:30: Golf Channel/NBC Sports app
January 17
- 2:30-8:30: Golf Channel/NBC Sports app
January 18
- 2-8 a.m.: Golf Channel/NBC Sports app
January 19
- 2-8 a.m.: Golf Channel/NBC Sports app
Who is on the pitch at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic?
Rory McIlroy makes his desert debut in 2025. He will be joined by Jon Rahm, Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.
Click here to see the full, updated player list.
Can LIV players participate in the DP World Tour?
Yes, if they have paid penalties imposed by the tour or, in the case of Rahm and Hatton, are in the process of appealing the sanctions. Players must still be eligible for the DP World Tour, per exemption categories, or receive an invitation from a sponsor. LIV players who were not members of the DP World Tour when joining the Saudi-backed league did not face penalties.
What is the Hero Dubai Desert Classic purse and prize money?
The purse costs $9 million. McIlroy took home $1,530,000 for his victory last year.
Who won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2024?
McIlroy passed 54-hole leader Cameron Young, then held off Adrian Meronk to knock one out of the field. It was McIlroy’s fourth victory in this eventwhich, at that point, was the biggest tournament win of his career. The Northern Irishman later won the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour in May, his fourth title.
In addition to his four Desert Classic triumphs, McIlroy won the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai three times, including in November.
