PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy announces early 2025 plans
Rory McIlroy Confirms Return to Dubai Desert Classic in January PGA Tour and DP World Tour star Rory McIlroy has officially announced his participation in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club from January 16-19. Despite earlier indications that he plans to significantly reduce his playing schedule in 2025, the Northern Irishman will…
Rory McIlroy Confirms Return to Dubai Desert Classic in January
PGA Tour and DP World Tour star Rory McIlroy has officially announced his participation in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club from January 16-19. Despite earlier indications that he plans to significantly reduce his playing schedule in 2025, the Northern Irishman will maintain a familiar start to his season.
McIlroy, 35, is aiming to secure his third consecutive victory and fifth overall at the Dubai Desert Classic, a prestigious Rolex Series event boasting a $9 million prize purse.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Emirates Golf Club for the 2025 event,” McIlroy said. “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. 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.”
In the previous edition, McIlroy delivered a remarkable comeback. Trailing by ten strokes after 36 holes, he fired an impressive 63 to place himself in the final group on Sunday. He ultimately clinched the title by one stroke, overtaking American Cameron Young and surpassing Ernie Els’ record of three wins in the tournament.
Currently enjoying a brief hiatus after an exhausting season, McIlroy is set to return to action in November at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. He recently participated in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship alongside his father, Gerry, and LIV Golf chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
Expressing optimism about resolving the ongoing rift in men’s golf, McIlroy commented on the potential for the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to find common ground by the end of the year. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was also in Scotland, where he was seen engaging amicably with Al-Rumayyan, who serves as the governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
“There’s no better place than the home of golf to try and get everyone together and talking,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI. “I think it’s a great thing and a good sign that Jay and Yasir are going to play together. And obviously, you’ve got quite a big contingent over from LIV that are playing in this event.”
Tyrrell Hatton ultimately won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship for the third time in his career.