World Number Three Rory McIlroy will be looking to launch his 2025 season off with a bang by defending his title at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he has the chance to make further history in the $9 million Rolex Series event.
The Northern Irishman, who has already triumphed at this event in 2009, 2015, 2023, and 2024, is aiming for an unprecedented fifth Dallah trophy, making him the first-ever five-time winner of the regions oldest event on the DP World Tour.
“It’s always been nice to start my year in Dubai. It’s something that I’ve done most of my professional career,” said McIlroy.
“There’s a couple of times where obviously when Abu Dhabi was at the start of the season, and this was usually the second event. But the last couple years to come here to Dubai, open the season, have success, obviously it’s really nice to get off to a strong start to the season, and I’ve been able to do that the last couple years. And obviously that’s the plan again this year.”
“I love the thick rough. I love the setup of the golf course. The greens are quite a bit firmer today than they were on Monday. So as the week goes on, I think it’s going to be a great test of golf, which I think we all want to play and I think that’s what you all want to watch.”
However, McIlroy won’t be given an easy ride. Two-time Major champion and 2023 Masters winner, Jon Rahm, is making his Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut this week. The Spaniard has already established himself as a force in Dubai, with three wins at the DP World Tour Championship (2017, 2019, 2022) and a Race to Dubai title in 2019. Rahm’s victory as the Individual winner in the 2024 LIV Golf League, solidifies his place as one of the game’s elite players.
“I’m glad that I have this opening to come and enjoy this great event and hopefully do as well as I have so far in Dubai,” Rahm commented.
“It’s a city that I love. It’s a city that is worth coming to. It’s probably, the great vibe I have when I come here, is the reason why I have played so well. I’m getting comfortable with some of the lines off the tee; comfortable with some of the shots into the green, and just quickly seeing where I think I would be best off if I were to make a mistake.”
The pair have shared many battles in recent years, and with both in form, this year’s 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic promises to deliver more fireworks.
