By:
Paul Kelly
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry both have early starts on Wednesday as they prepare for the 2026 Dubai Desert Classic.
Both players enjoyed an early morning practice round the day before the tournament begins at Emirates Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry Prepare For Dubai Desert Classic
Just one week after impressing at the Dubai Invitational with their tied third finishes, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are back in action in the UAE for the second consecutive tournament in Dubai as the final stop of their international swing.
The major winners are both set to tee it up on Thursday for Round 1 of the 2026 Dubai Desert Classic, with both men in strong form as they head into their second DP World Tour tournament of the season.
Both Lowry and McIlroy finished on -8 par last week at the Dubai Invitational in a tie for third, with the Offaly man even tie for the lead heading down the 72nd and final hole. Unfortunately Lowry carded a double-bogey six on the 18th on Sunday, much to his frustration.
He has the chance to put it right though this week, and was spotted teeing off early on Wednesday for one of his pre-tournament practice rounds at Emirates Golf Club.
Shane Lowry off the first 💪#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/Aa5R61iLNc
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 21, 2026
Five-time major champion McIlroy also enjoyed some time on the practice range before heading to the first tee to play a few holes as preparations get serious prior to Thursday’s opening round.
After landing two major sponsorship deals just before the new season got underway, Lowry is hoping to repay the faith by adding more wins to his resume this season, beginning this week in Dubai.
He came agonisingly close last week at Dubai Creek Resort, as did Rory, so both will be confident of another strong showing this week and going one better to lift the trophy come Sunday after 72 holes.
Wednesday morning. First tee. Rory McIlroy. #HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/cDNf6Ylx0K
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 21, 2026
McIlroy Favourite To Win Fifth Dubai Desert Classic Title
Following his third place finish at the Dubai Invitational last week, it comes as no surprise to learn that Rory McIlroy is the outright bookmakers favourite to win the Dubai Desert Classic this week on the DP World Tour.
The Northern Irishman is not only one of the world’s best and most in-form players, but he happens to have won the Dubai Desert Classic on four previous occasions too.
This is evidently an event and golf course that McIlroy has fond memories of, with his last victory around Emirates Golf Club coming back in 2024.
The career Grand Slam winner first won the Dubai Desert Classic back in 2009, which also happened to be his first victory on the European Tour.
"I love coming back to Dubai. It holds so many great memories for me."
Rory talks about his affinity with @DubaiDCGolf 20 years on from making his tournament debut. #HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/bSRekuREnL
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 21, 2026
McIlroy won his second Dubai Desert Classic in 2015, before adding his third and fourth after going back-to-back in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Now, the reigning Masters champion looks to win a record fifth title around Emirates Golf Club.
McIlroy changed clubs for the first time since 2017 for last week’s Dubai Invitational, and will again use his new TaylorMade irons and woods this week.
The 36-year-old looked comfortable using his new gear, and will undoubtedly be there or there abouts at the top end of the leaderboard come Sunday at the 2026 Dubai Desert Classic too.
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