Today's Edition
Dubai (Aletihad)
Rory McIlroy has expressed his strong desire to cut down on his schedule, but the golfer has confirmed the obvious choice of playing at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic very early in the new season.
The Northern Irish golfer will be back at one of his favourite cities to defend his 2024 Dallah Trophy, officially committing to a fifth title bid at the historic Emirates Golf Club from January 16-19. The event offers a $9million prize pool.
The trophy room for the world No.3 includes four coffee pot-shaped ones since 2009. He followed it up with his second trophy in 2015 before back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
Spectators last year were treated to a thrilling finish, as McIlroy came into the weekend ten shots back before a stunning third-round 63 put him into the final group on Sunday.
He then turned a two-shot deficit into a four-shot lead with six holes to play in the final round – including birdies on the eighth and ninth, renowned as two of the most difficult holes at the Majlis Course. He went on to win by one stroke, moving ahead of Ernie Els' three victories.
"This is a tournament I relish playing and continuing my run here by adding a fifth title would be really special and an ideal way to kick off 2025," McIlroy said.
"The support we get in Dubai is always fantastic, it's an incredible course with a great atmosphere, and I'm looking forward to what is always a competitive event."
The announcement coincides with the start of ticket sales, with both free general admission tickets and a range of early bird hospitality packages available at the tournament website.
