European Ryder Cup heroes Viktor Hovland and Shane Lowry, along with two-time Major champion and former World Number One Dustin Johnson, are the latest global stars to commit to the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, set for January 22–25 on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club.
The trio join an already elite lineup featuring defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy, and FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood as the first Rolex Series event of the 2026 Race to Dubai prepares for another blockbuster edition.
Lowry and Hovland Bring Ryder Cup Firepower Back to Dubai
Both Lowry and Hovland played pivotal roles in Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black in 2025.
Lowry holed the decisive putt on the 18th green to ensure Europe retained the trophy—an emotional highlight in a season that reaffirmed his big-moment pedigree.
The Irishman will make his 10th Hero Dubai Desert Classic appearance—and his first since 2023.
Lowry: “There were some incredible moments in 2025, particularly at Bethpage Black, and now I’m looking forward to getting 2026 off to a positive start by returning to Dubai. I always love being back at Emirates Golf Club. It’s a fantastic way to start the year.”
Hovland, the 2022 Dallah Trophy champion, returned to form in 2025 with victory at the Valspar Championship before contributing strongly to Europe’s victory in New York. The former FedEx Cup champion is eager for another shot at the Majlis.
Hovland: “Winning here in 2022 was really cool, and it’s always a great place to start the year. The tournament is one of the highlights of the season – great golf course, great weather, and I’m looking forward to competing for the trophy again.”
Dustin Johnson Set for Hero Dubai Desert Classic Debut
The 2026 edition will also welcome Dustin Johnson for the first time.
A two-time Major champion (2016 U.S. Open, 2020 Masters) and former World Number One, Johnson brings a storied résumé that includes:
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135 weeks as World Number One
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12–9–0 Ryder Cup record across five appearances
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A historic 5–0 performance at the 2021 Ryder Cup—the first American to do so in more than 40 years
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Multiple wins on the LIV Golf Tour
Johnson: “I’m really looking forward to playing the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the first time. I’ve heard great things about the event and Emirates Golf Club. When you look at past champions like Seve, Tiger and Rory, you know it’s a really prestigious tournament with incredible history. I’m excited to compete for the Dallah Trophy and be part of a world-class field.”
Tournament Director: “An Exceptional 2026 Field”
Executive Tournament Director Simon Corkill expressed his excitement at adding three more global names to an already elite field.
Corkill: “To welcome stars of this calibre to the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic is incredibly exciting. Viktor and Shane were heroes at Bethpage Black, while Dustin’s Major championship pedigree speaks for itself. With this being Dustin’s first professional tour event in Dubai, we’re thrilled to showcase Emirates Golf Club to one of the game’s biggest names. Alongside Tyrrell, Tommy and Rory, the depth of our field continues to strengthen ahead of an exceptional 37th edition.”
