Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Golf Monthly
Golf Monthly
Sport
Paul Higham

Rory McIlroy To Kick-Off 2026 Campaign With Dubai Double

Rory McIlroy at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth .

There's still a few events left for Rory McIlroy in 2025, but he's already building the start of his 2026 schedule, which will begin with a double-header in Dubai.

McIlroy has had an incredible year already, completing the career Grand Slam, winning his home Irish Open and then of course that infamous away Ryder Cup victory.

And it could still get even better for the Northern Irishman as he chases a fourth straight finish as European No.1 to end his glittering campaign.

In line with his new ethos of playing a more global schedule, McIlroy will then play in the Australian Open in December to bring the curtain down on 2025 - with his 2026 season then starting in the Middle East.

McIlroy equalled Seve Ballesteros with this sixth Harry Vardon Trophy last year after winning the DP World Tour Championship for a third time.

And the five-time Major champion is leading the way again as he looks to finish top of the Race To Dubai standings for a fourth straight year and seventh time overall - which would put him just one behind record winner Colin Montgomerie.

Once the DP World Tour season is officially over, McIlroy will head Down Under in December to the iconic Royal Melbourne to tee it up in the Australian Open - an event he won back in 2013.

That will bring an end to what has been an emotional but highly successful year for McIlroy - probably his most memorable considering the size of his achievements.

And he won't be out of action for too long as his 2026 will start at Dubai Creek in early January as the Dubai Invitational returns to the DP World Tour schedule.

McIlroy finished as runner-up to Tommy Fleetwood in the last staging of the Dubai Invitational in 2024, and will use the event to start his campaign again in 2026.

Rory McIlroy upcoming schedule

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • November 6-9: Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
  • November 13-16: DP World Tour Championship
  • December 4-7: Australian Open
  • January 15-18: Dubai Invitational
  • January 22-25: Dubai Desert Classic
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.