The Rolex Series gets under way for 2026 this week as the DP World Tour spends a second week in the United Arab Emirates for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Here are your five things to know.
Hatton defends
Tyrrell Hatton matched Jon Rahm's record with a fifth Rolex Series win at this event 12 months ago and he returns to Emirates Golf Club looking to go out in front on his own. Hatton did not have it all his own way in 2025, however, emerging from an epic tussle with Daniel Hillier to lift the Dallah Trophy. Ryder Cup star Hatton went into the final round one behind New Zealand's Hillier but ground out a three-under-par 69 to finish on 15 under at Emirates Golf Club. That was one clear of Hillier, who signed for a 71, with Laurie Canter, who shot a 68, third on 13 under. “It feels amazing,” said Hatton. “I said earlier in the week, this is one of the events that you would like to have on your CV. It's such an iconic event for the DP World Tour. To add my name to the list of the amazing champions that have been before me, and to have my name on that trophy now, it's a dream come true."
Majlis magic man McIlroy back for more
When Hatton won the trophy last year, he took it from Rory McIlroy who had lifted it in 2023 and 2024 to take his tally of wins to a record four. This year is the 20th anniversary of McIlroy's debut in the event and while he finished outside the top 50 in his first three visits, since his maiden win in 2009, he has never been outside the top ten in another 11 starts. A seven-time winner in Dubai, the career Grand Slam champion will unquestionably be the favourite this week as he makes an eighth consecutive DP World Tour start and looks to kickstart his bid for an eighth Harry Vardon Trophy.
The Rolex Series returns
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic marks the first of five Rolex Series events on the Race to Dubai in 2026, with increased purses and points on offer at the DP World Tour's blue riband showpieces. This week's prize fund is US$9million, with 8,000 Race to Dubai points on the line and the same will be available at the Genesis Scottish Open and BMW PGA Championship, with the points rising to 9,000 at the Abu Dhabi Championship. The stakes will then be even higher at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, with $10million and 12,000 points on offer. This week's event is also the second of seven events on the International Swing, the second of five Global Swings in Phase One of the season ahead of the Back 9 and the DP World Tour Play-Offs. For the International Swing Rankings only, the points available at this event has been capped at 5,000.
An all-star field
All eyes may be on McIlroy and Hatton as they look to add to their historic tallies but they will have to beat a world-class field if either of them are to lift the Dallah Trophy again. World Number Three Tommy Fleetwood tees it up this week as do McIlroy's fellow Major champions Shane Lowry, Danny Willett, Francesco Molinari, Pádraig Harrington, Patrick Reed and Dustin Johnson. Victorious Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald also plays alongside another Bethpage hero in Viktor Hovland. Add in Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper and fellow 2026 season winners Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, David Puig and Nacho Elvira and it is all to play for in the desert.
Anniversaries aplenty
Having been part of the DP World Tour schedule since 1989, there are often magic moments to celebrate at the Desert Classic but this week sees the 30th anniversary of perhaps its most famous shot. Holding a one-shot lead on the final day in 1996, Colin Montgomerie found himself on the 18th fairway but into the wind, the only club with which he could reach the green was the driver. He pulled out the big stick and duly stuck an incredible shot to 15 feet for a two-putt birdie and victory. This week also sees the tenth anniversary of Willett's win, a victory that was followed just weeks later by his unforgettable Masters triumph.
