The DP World Tour season begins with the Dubai Invitational, where Tommy Fleetwood defends his 2024 title against a field including Rory McIlroy. The Englishman triumphed two years ago with a birdie-birdie finish, edging out McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence after starting the final round one shot ahead.
McIlroy, seeking revenge, had costly errors in 2024, including a three-putt bogey on the 14th and a water-bound tee shot on the 18th. Reflecting, he said: 'First week back out, I think you're going to expect some of those sloppy mistakes, and unfortunately for me, those mistakes came at the wrong time today.'
McIlroy later won his maiden Masters title in April 2025, completing a Grand Slam. Buoyed by that triumph, he aims to overcome Fleetwood and the field at Dubai Creek Resort, where 60 professionals and 60 amateurs compete for a £2m prize fund, with £350,000 for the winner.
Fleetwood said: 'I'm delighted to be defending my Dubai Invitational title in front of family and friends here in Dubai. Winning the first edition was a really special moment for me.'
The tournament also remembers amateur Ken Weyand, who in 2023 posted a 53-over-par 337, finishing 72 strokes behind Fleetwood. His invite from Michael Jordan sparked criticism from Eddie Pepperell, who said: 'Limited man field, and old Ken Weyand gets an invite and then does this. I don't care if he's Ken from Barbie, it shouldn't happen.'
