Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood returns to Dubai Creek Resort this week with confidence high as he looks to successfully defend his Dubai Invitational title and take another step towards golf’s ultimate goal – the World No.1 ranking – from January 15–18.
The Dubai resident produced a dramatic birdie-birdie finish to claim victory at the inaugural edition in 2024, edging out Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy in a thrilling final-round duel. That victory set the tone for what proved to be a career-defining 2025 season.
A career-defining 2025 season
Fleetwood became only the second Englishman to lift the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup with victory at the TOUR Championship, before adding the DP World India Championship to his growing list of global titles. He then played a starring role in Europe’s historic Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black, finishing as the leading points scorer across both teams.
“I played really well here two years ago and loved that final round with Rory,” said Fleetwood. “It was a reminder that anything can happen if you keep going right until the end. Winning with my family there made it even more special.”
Those performances have lifted Fleetwood to a career-high third in the Official World Golf Ranking, behind Scottie Scheffler and McIlroy.
World-class field awaits
While Fleetwood knows the challenge ahead is significant, he is embracing the opportunity. “Starting a season as World No.3 is new territory for me, and that’s very exciting,” he added.
He will once again face McIlroy in a world-class field that also includes Open Champions Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington and Francesco Molinari, alongside DP World Tour winners Ryan Fox, Matt Wallace, Nicolai Højgaardand Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper.
The 60 professionals will be joined by 60 amateurs in the Pro-Am, including tournament host Abdulla Al Naboodah, NFL legends Larry Fitzgerald and John Elway, and former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke.
