A star-studded field, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Patrick Reed, has descended on Emirates Golf Club for this weekend’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy, the defending champion, is competing for the first time in 2025 and looking to make it back-to-back victories after his season-ending DP World Tour Championship win at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
As for Rahm, the Spaniard is making his debut at the Dubai Desert Classic before turning his attention to the 2025 LIV Golf season, which begins in February. Rahm’s Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton is also in the field. The Dubai Desert Classic will be one of Hatton’s only DP World Tour appearances before the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage in September.
Given the quality of the field in the UAE, it would be easy to assume ticket prices would be high. However, tournament organisers have taken a very different approach.
Hero Dubai Desert Classic offers free entry
Those in Dubai this week can gain general admission for free and watch Rahm and McIlroy without spending a single dollar.
As well as world-class golf, music and a variety of food outlets are available for patrons. Of course, upgrade options are available for those wanting a little bit more luxury. The stunning Dallah Lounge and The Social are situated on the 16th hole.
The DP World Tour’s decision to offer free entry, quite frankly, makes a mockery of the PGA of America’s Ryder Cup ticket prices as well as the TGL.
How much were Ryder Cup tickets?
Golf fans were left outraged after the PGA of America priced Ryder Cup weekend tickets at $750. Amazingly, all tickets for tournament and practice days were eventually snapped up.
However, the field in the UAE is stacked, and the fact that fans can catch a glimpse of McIlroy, Rahm, Hatton, and Reed without spending money has exposed just how overpriced admission to the Ryder Cup really was.
It’s not just the PGA of America that should take note. The tech-infused TGL priced its single-match admission at $160, which feels extortionate for two hours of action.
Hopefully, the PGA Tour, PGA of America and TGL take note of what the DP World Tour has done in Dubai. It’s time to make golf affordable for those who, ultimately, make the sport tick.
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