published: Jan 13, 2025

updated: Jan 14, 2025

Hero Dubai Desert Classic Preview 2025

Matt Chivers

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the first Rolex Series Event on the DP World Tour 2025, so let’s get you up to speed with what is going on

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has been a staple of the DP World Tour schedule since 1989.

Dubai, as a holiday destination and golf world, has changed significantly since then. Tall buildings dominate the horizons of many holes at Emirates Golf Club where this particular event is held.

This event has been won by some of the best European golfers to pick up a club including Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson, as well as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Fred Couples.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the first Rolex Series Event of the 2025 season which means it has an elevated purse of $9 million and a top field to boot. McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood will all tee it up.

This event is the first of five in the Rolex Series and the first regular stroke play event of 2025 on what used to be called the European Tour, following the Team Cup which is a team match play event.

ALSO: Dubai Desert Classic prize money 2025

ALSO: Dubai Desert Classic Betting Tips 2025

Dubai Desert Classic Preview 2025

Venue: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai

Date: January 16-19, 2025

Course stats: Par 72; 7428 yards

Purse: $9 million

Defending champion: Rory McIlroy (-14)

How to watch Dubai Desert Classic 2025

Thursday: Sky Sports Golf from 4 am and Sky Sports Main Event from 4 am
Friday: Sky Sports Golf from 4 am and Sky Sports Main Event from 4 am
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf from 4 am and Sky Sports Main Event from 5.30 am
Sunday: Sky Sports Golf from 4 am and Sky Sports Main Event from 4.30 am

ALSO: DP World Tour schedule 2025

Where is the Dubai Desert Classic played?

Emirates Golf Club is used for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and it has been since 1989. The Majlis course at the venue is used, but this hasn’t always been the site of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club was used in 1999 and 2000, events won by David Howell and Jose Coceres. It was the first European Tour event to be held in the Arabain Peninsula, but this is somewhat of a regularity now.

Who won the Dubai Desert Classic in 2024?

Rory McIlroy won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the fourth time in 2024. The Northern Irishman carded a final-round score of two-under-par to beat Adrian Meronk by one shot.

McIlroy went on to win the Race to Dubai for the third time in a row and the sixth time in his career.

When is the Dubai Desert Classic?

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is played from January 16 to 19 in 2025. It has become the curtain-raiser in the calendar year for the DP World Tour and often features a strong field of European, international and some American stars.

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About the author

Matt Chivers

Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.

Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.

Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.

Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as the Masters, The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spoken to many of the biggest names in the sport.

Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.

What’s in Matt’s bag: Cleveland HiBore XL Driver driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, Benross BR-Pro irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.

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The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has been a staple of the DP World Tour schedule since 1989.

Dubai, as a holiday destination and golf world, has changed significantly since then. Tall buildings dominate the horizons of many holes at Emirates Golf Club where this particular event is held.

ALSO: Dubai Desert Classic prize money 2025

ALSO: Dubai Desert Classic Betting Tips 2025