- Rory McIlroy will play the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai from November 12–15, 2026.
- McIlroy is chasing an eighth Race to Dubai title to match Colin Montgomerie’s record.
- Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed is also confirmed in the field.
The DP World Tour has confirmed Rory McIlroy will return to Jumeirah Golf Estates for the DP World Tour Championship from November 12–15, with the reigning European Number One pursuing a record-equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy.
McIlroy sits second in the Race to Dubai rankings behind Patrick Reed, who will also tee it up in Dubai. A closing 68 at last month’s BMW PGA Championship earned the Northern Irishman a share of second at Wentworth and more than halved the gap to the American.
Montgomerie’s record in sight
McIlroy has won the season-long title seven times, leaving him one short of Montgomerie’s haul of eight.
“I’ve always loved coming to Dubai and I’ve had some great days on the Earth course, so I’m really looking forward to being back for the DP World Tour Championship,” said McIlroy, a 21-time winner on the DP World Tour.
“Getting to eight and drawing level with Monty would mean a lot. He was an amazing player to watch when I was growing up, and the Race to Dubai is something I’ve always taken a lot of pride in. To have the opportunity to win it again, and potentially match Monty’s record, would be a pretty special way to finish the season.
The 37-year-old has three DP World Tour Championship victories on the Earth course, in 2012, 2015 and 2024.
McIlroy’s successful Masters defence in April made him the fourth player to win back-to-back titles at Augusta National, joining Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. He had completed the career Grand Slam there a year earlier.
Tickets and spectator options
Thursday entry is free with pre-registration. General Admission tickets for Friday to Sunday start at AED 160, while children aged 17 and under can attend free throughout the four days but must have tickets registered in advance.
The 1st Tee Experience returns as a General Admission add-on, offering a dedicated viewing area and complimentary refreshments. Ticket+ includes access to The Greatest Bar on Earth overlooking the 17th green, with further hospitality options at the 16th and 18th greens.
The Championship Village will offer kids zones, free golf lessons and trick-shot shows, with Ladies Day on Saturday and Family Day on Sunday.
To register for free Thursday tickets and explore all ticket options, including premium experiences, please visit dpwtc.com.
Related: If the DP World Tour needs a Sotogrande Plan B, La Reserva deserves a look
Simon Bale
Simon Bale is the publisher of Golf Today. A low single-figure handicap golfer, he was previously a major shareholder and course reviewer for Top100GolfCourses.com for over a decade, starting in 2010. Through this role, he developed extensive knowledge of golf course design and architecture while playing more than 300 courses worldwide.