DP World Tour – Rory McIlroy starts strong in Dubai

The reigning Masters Champion has started strongly in Dubai, seeking his latest high profile career win.

Rory McIlroy has kicked off 2026 in style, taking an early lead at the Dubai Invitational after a stellar first round at Dubai Creek Resort. The world No. 2 carded a five-under 66, demonstrating why he is one of the game’s elite players. McIlroy’s start to the year comes on the back of a truly remarkable 2025, a season many are calling one of the best of his career.

Last year, McIlroy achieved one of golf’s rarest feats by winning The Masters and completing the coveted career Grand Slam. This milestone has been achieved by only a handful of players in history. Beyond Augusta National Golf Club, he also played a pivotal role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and on the biggest stages. These achievements cemented his status as not just a fan favourite but a dominant force in men’s golf.

The Dubai Invitational, a key early-season tournament, looked set to be another highlight for McIlroy after his impressive first round. He narrowly outpaced competitors including Scotland’s Connor Syme and Spain’s David Puig, with England’s Matt Wallace and fellow Europeans Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood also in contention. Highlights from his opening round saw him nearly eagle the 10th before racking up a string of birdies across the back nine, demonstrating his trademark precision and attacking style.

However, Day 2 brought its challenges. McIlroy ran into trouble, finding water four times and carding a three-over 74. Back-to-back bogeys on holes 17 and 18 saw him drop from the overnight lead to a tie for fifth, highlighting just how unpredictable the early-season conditions in Dubai can be. Taking advantage of the opportunity, McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry surged up the leaderboard. Lowry and Spain’s Nacho Elvira each shot a three-under 68 to share the lead at five under, navigating tricky wind conditions with precision and confidence.

Despite the setback, McIlroy remains very much in the mix, with two more days of tournament play to go. Golf fans can expect intense competition as players compete for the top spot, and the Dubai Invitational continues to showcase some of the finest talent in the world of men’s golf.

For UK fans, McIlroy’s performance is an exciting reminder of the quality of golf on the DP World Tour. This year’s schedule includes flagship tournaments such as the BMW PGA Championship, the Amgen Irish Open, the Genesis Scottish Open, and the British Masters.

These events provide fans with the opportunity to see top-tier golfers up close, experience the thrill of world-class competition, and follow the storylines of the sport’s biggest stars, including McIlroy, Lowry, and many others.

For those looking to get even closer to the action, explore our premium hospitality options available at these tournaments, from exclusive seating to VIP packages. Call us on: 0121 233 6500.