Shane Lowry Confirmed For Dubai Desert Classic With January Return Set For Irish Golf Star

Shane Lowry has confirmed he will make his first appearance on the golf course of 2026 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

The Irishman hasn’t played competitively since his 11th place finish at the DP World Tour Championship in mid-November.

Shane Lowry Confirmed For Dubai Desert Classic

Shane Lowry has confirmed he will play at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic in what will be his first event of the new season next year.

The Irishman was last seen in competitive action at the DP World Tour Championship in November, and has now confirmed he will head to Emirates Golf Club in the New Year for the Dubai Desert Classic.

Several other high-calibre players have confirmed their involvement in the Dubai Desert Classic, which is taking place from January 22-25 next year.

The likes of career Grand Slam winner and reigning Race to Dubai champion Rory McIlroy has confirmed he is playing, as have players such as FedEx Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood, Dustin Johnson, Tyrrell Hatton and Viktor Hovland.

@RyderCupEurope duo Viktor Hovland and Shane Lowry confirmed for next month's @DubaiDCGolf along with former world No 1 Dustin Johnson, who will be making @EmiratesGC debut. The trio join defending champ Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in field @ScotsmanSport pic.twitter.com/rcG2ysjdRj

— Martin Dempster (@DempsterMartin) December 10, 2025

McIlroy hailed his bromance relationship with Lowry recently, and it seems the pair will both be teeing it up in Dubai in the New Year together.

The Dubai Desert Classic is the first tournament of the 2026 Rolex Series, with a whole host of big names set to compete. Lowry is one of those, who will be hoping for success in the Middle East in what is set to be his 10th appearance at the event.

Lowry of course holed the crucial putt at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York that ensured Europe retained the trophy, and will be hoping next year is as successful as this one was on the golf course.

Although Lowry didn’t win any solo events in 2025, he was instrumental in Europe’s recent Ryder Cup victory and performed well in several big events all around the world.

A fan favourite returns.
Shane Lowry will tee it up at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. See you on the Majlis, Shane. 👊🇮🇪#HeroDubaiDesertClassic #HDDC2026 pic.twitter.com/n0PUH0xDPF

— Hero Dubai Desert Classic (@DubaiDCGolf) December 10, 2025

Shane Lowry: Dubai Desert Classic ‘A Fantastic Way To Start The Year’

With Shane Lowry confirmed for the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22-25, his inclusion will mark his 10th appearance overall but first since 2023.

Lowry has never won in Dubai, but has tasted success in the Middle East before. The Irishman won the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which also happened to be the year he won his first and only major at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Lowry has expressed his delight at returning to Emirates Golf Club in January, and is hoping to get his new season off to a flying start with a strong performance at the Dubai Desert Classic:

“There were some incredible moments in 2025, particularly at Bethpage Black, and now I’m looking forward to getting 2026 off to a positive start by returning to Dubai for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

“I’ve played this tournament many times over the years, and I always love being back at Emirates Golf Club. It’s a fantastic way to start the year,” said Lowry.

Irish golfer Shane Lowry made Declan's day with an invitation to the Irish Open and a lovely message of encouragement | Read more: https://t.co/dVXFtWUMxw pic.twitter.com/0IUnTp6SMi

— Entertainment on RTÉ (@RTE_Ents) December 5, 2025

The 38-year-old will have to bring his best golf if he is to claim victory in Dubai, with a star-studded line-up already confirmed for the event.

Rory McIlroy is prioritising family time over Christmas, but will feature in Dubai in the new year alongside his best friend on tour.

Lowry’s best finish at the Dubai Desert Classic was a tie for 11th back in 2020, where Lucas Herbert claimed victory.

Next year, the Irishman will be hoping to add new silverware to his trophy cabinet, starting in Dubai in January.