While the 2026 PGA Tour season kicked off this week at the 2026 Sony Open, the Tour’s biggest star, Rory McIlroy, is not in the field. But he also starts his season this week, albeit halfway around the world.
As usual, McIlroy makes his first start of the year on the DP World Tour, this time at the Dubai Invitational. And he wastes no time getting rid of the rust. McIlroy is within striking distance of the leader heading into the final lap.
Here’s what you need to know.
McIlroy and Lowry on the hunt during Dubai Invitational
McIlroy isn’t the only star player making his 2026 debut at this week’s Dubai Invitational. So is his friend and European Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry.
And on Sunday both players have a chance of victory.
McIlroy, sporting new equipment, shot out of the gate Thursday with a 66. He took a few steps back with a 74 in Round 2, but fought back Saturday with a 68 at the Dubai Creek Resort circuit.
Then Rory is just five under three shots ahead held by Nacho Elvira and one shot out of second place with 18 holes to go.
Lowry did even better. Steady rounds of 69-68-70 have Lowry at six under, just two shots behind Elvira.
If Lowry were to win, it would mark his first DP World Tour victory since 2022.
“It’s the reason I get up in the morning,” Lowry explained after his round. “Do my best. Work as hard as I can, and yes, hopefully it will come soon.”
McIlroy explains the incredible early season record
It’s hard to argue with McIlroy’s strategy of starting his seasons in the Middle East playing DP World Tour events when you look at his results.
McIlroy will be hunting for an incredible fifth victory in Dubai on Sunday.
As a reporter noted to the five-time major winner after his round on Saturday, McIlroy has had 15 top-5 finishes in his first start over the past two decades.
After his round, McIlroy revealed why he thinks he’s having so much early-season success.
“I would say the opportunity to work on some things when you have some free time over the Christmas period, and then I just think about the excitement of starting a new year and starting over,” McIlroy said in a post-round interview.
Furthermore, McIlroy explained that his comfort at the DP World Tour events, and this tournament in Dubai in particular, helps him perform his best.
“I’ve always enjoyed coming to the Middle East and Dubai and playing in these tournaments, even when I was an amateur. I also played a few Desert Classics as an amateur. So I’ve been coming here, gosh, I think I’ve been coming here for over 20 years,” McIlroy said. “So it’s a place where I feel comfortable, I’ve made a lot of friends here along the way and I’m always excited to start my year in Dubai.”
If McIlroy makes a comeback on Sunday and wins, it will be his 21st DP World Tour win and get a head start on his 2026 Race to Dubai campaign.
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