The 2026 Dubai Desert Classic has been unveiled as the opening event of the Rolex Series on the DP World Tour. Scheduled to be held at the Emirates Golf Club, this highly anticipated tournament follows closely after the Dubai Invitational, continuing the UAE’s legacy of prestigious golfing events.
Key Participants and Competition
This year, notable golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Dustin Johnson have gathered to compete. Despite the strong lineup, several prominent players were eliminated after the first two rounds, diminishing their chances of claiming the title or a share of the prize purse.
Prize Money Overview
The Dubai Desert Classic continues to attract attention with a prize purse of $9 million. This amount has increased from $8 million in the previous year. For the fourth consecutive time, the top prize of $1.53 million is on the line, which McIlroy has previously won twice. Last year, Tyrrell Hatton took home the highest payout as well.
- 1st Place: $1,530,000
- 2nd Place: $990,000
- 3rd Place: $567,000
- 4th Place: $450,000
- 5th Place: $381,600
Interestingly, while the Dubai event boasts a substantial prize, it will not feature the largest purse in professional golf this week. The PGA Tour’s American Express has raised its prize pool to $9.2 million, surpassing Dubai’s offering.
Payout Distribution
Golf professionals can expect varied payouts, with the second-place finisher in Dubai set to earn nearly $1 million. However, due to operational expenses, the actual amount received by players after deductions may be significantly lower.
Race to Dubai Points
This tournament also plays a crucial role in the Race to Dubai standings. As a Rolex Series event, it offers a total of 8,000 points, a notable increase compared to the 3,000-4,000 points available in earlier tournaments this season.
Complete Prize Money Breakdown for 2026 Dubai Desert Classic
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $1,530,000 |
| 2nd | $990,000 |
| 3rd | $567,000 |
| 4th | $450,000 |
| 5th | $381,600 |
| 6th | $315,000 |
| 7th | $270,000 |
| 8th | $225,000 |
| 9th | $201,600 |
| 10th | $180,000 |
The Dubai Desert Classic remains a significant event on the golf calendar, drawing elite talent and offering substantial financial rewards, while also impacting players’ standings in the Race to Dubai.
