WHEREAS 2026 PGA Tour Season took place this week at the 2026 Sony Open, the tournament’s biggest starRory McIlroy, not on the field. But he’s starting his season this week, albeit halfway across the world.
As usual, McIlroy is making his first DP World Tour start of the year, this time at the Dubai Invitational. And he’s wasting no time getting off the rust. McIlroy is within striking distance of the lead heading into the final round.
Here’s what you need to know.
McIlroy, Lowry in hunt at Dubai Invitational
McIlroy isn’t the only star making his 2026 debut at this week’s Dubai Invitational. His friend and European Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry it is also.
And both players will have a shot at victory on Sunday.
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McIlroy, new sports equipmentshot out of the gates on Thursday with a 66. He took a few steps back with a 74 in Round 2, but then fought back with a 68 on Saturday at the Dubai Creek Resort course.
That leaves Rory at five under, alone three shots off the lead held by Naço Elvira and one shot out of second place with 18 holes to go.
Lowry did one better. Solid rounds of 69-68-70 have Lowry at six under, just two shots behind Elvira.
Should Lowry win, it would represent his first DP World Tour victory since 2022.
“It’s the reason I get up in the morning,” Lowry explained after his round. “Try my best. Working as hard as I can, and yes, I hope it comes soon.”
McIlroy explains 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 looking 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 collected 15 top-5 finishes in his first start over the past 20 years.
After his round, McIlroy revealed why he thinks he’s had so much success early in the season.
“I would say the opportunity to work on a few things when you have some time off over the Christmas period, and then I just think about the excitement of starting a new year and starting fresh,” McIlroy said in a post-round interview.
Additionally, McIlroy explained that his comfort with DP World Tour events, and this Dubai tour in particular, helps him perform at his best.
“I’ve always loved coming out here to the Middle East and Dubai and playing these tournaments, even since I was an amateur. I’ve also played a couple of Desert Classics as an amateur. So I’ve been coming here for over 20 years, I think at this point,” McIlroy said. “So it’s a place where I’m 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 represent his 21st DP World Tour victory and give him a head start on his 2026 Dubai Race campaign.
